Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

That is a very confidential matter and I could not possibly comment. The fact the school attracts pupils from the mainland who come across on the ferry in the morning and back in the evening is evidence of how this technology can revolutionise the teaching environment. We are examining with the Minister for Education and Skills how we can address the undoubted growing demand from the primary school sector.

The MANs were an investment of their time. A large investment of €170 million was involved. Many significant companies, including transnational companies, are located in various parts of the country which simply would not be able to conduct business today if it had not been for the installation of the MANs at the time. A total of 98% of the MANs are now lit and functioning, and some are developing innovative new products to facilitate local small businesses to link up. The pilot modelled in Claremorris is likely to be adapted elsewhere in terms of facilitating at a cheaper and more efficient level small traders in the town to be able to access the MANs. Three more are under preparation in Ardee, Loughrea and Kilkenny.