Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have a question on broadband, a matter on which we have not really touched. ComReg published a survey last year in respect of broadband speeds and it was acknowledged that an expectation is created because companies talk about their highest speeds and what they can provide if everything is perfect. Obviously, the latter is not the case. It was stated that ComReg's view is that consumers should have the information before they sign up and that it was considering the next steps and options available, so that people would know before they sign up that they will not get what they think they will. Where stands ComReg in respect of that matter? How far has it taken that and should we expect to see something of that nature coming down the line soon enough? Will the witnesses indicate what they perceive will be ComReg's role in respect of the national broadband plan in the future? I think this committee, if it is in the same form after the election, would have to take an active role in monitoring the plan and ensuring that there is accountability in the context of the timeframe relating to the plan and its roll-out. It would also have a role to play in ensuring that the commercial investors are held accountable for their plans. We will all have roles in that regard but what will be ComReg's?