Mr. Torlach Denihan:

I thank members for their questions. Senator Brennan and Deputy Harrington referred to broadband. The Government's scheme will produce a mapping exercise which will show areas which are currently not in receipt of broadband and those which are in receipt of it. That plan will offer solutions in respect of the areas identified by Senator Eamonn Coghlan - to which one can walk from here - and parts of the Coomhola Valley in Cork.

In the context of the pace at which everything will proceed, there are obviously hurdles in Brussels which must be traversed. An issue will also arise in the context of the Government's tendering process, namely, when this will be actioned and so on. The industry is extremely keen to engage with the process because, in the first instance, such tenders are a source of business for those in the industry. Once those households and SMEs currently unable to access broadband are in a position to do so, it will generate more revenue for the industry. There is a great willingness to engage. The position with regard to timeframes and localities will hinge on the outcome of the mapping exercise and the approach taken by the Government.

Senator Brennan referred to motorways. As I stated earlier in reply to a question from Deputy McEntee, there is a range of historical issues relating to motorway coverage. The key matter for us is to get our infrastructure in place along motorways. We have a number of innovative solutions in mind and we are beginning to get engagement from the National Roads Authority in respect of this matter. We believe we have some of the answers so if we can get the authority to engage with us and move forward on that matter, then we anticipate some positive developments.

Senator Eamonn Coghlan referred to a number of technical issues in respect of definitions and timing. Of course, the Senator is a former international athlete so I can understand his interest in time.