Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join in the welcome to the Minister. I warmly congratulate him on his appointment and express my confidence that he will bring great skills to the role.

The provision of broadband is a priority issue for all of us. It must be a priority for people who represent areas where large sections are not covered because of topography or relative isolation. It is very important that we get broadband into every home in the country. Apart from the €2.5 million the Minister said is being reallocated to other areas, I am anxious to know that the rest of the moneys from this year's surplus would go into next year's programme as additional moneys, in other words, there would be no diminution of moneys. The Minister might confirm that broadband roll-out would not be affected.

I am anxious to know also how negotiations on procuring a contractor are going, and the timeframe the Minster has put on that. I reiterate our concern that we expressed at a previous meeting that the Minister would ensure that the contractual situation would be clear, that everything will happen on schedule, with no unnecessary delays, which is important, and that everything will be achieved within cost.

I had wanted to speak about online vouchers, but I understand that comes under another heading.