Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank our guests for their comments. In the context of what the Minister of State indicated earlier, it is very positive that companies providing foreign direct investment are asking questions about, and seeing the potential of, working from home. We want to benefit from that potential in rural areas. The Minister of State mentioned a sort of directory and the broadband officers. That is important because there is a need for some level of co-ordination. The word "communication" has been used quite a number of times. It is about knowing where resources are, such as in Ballinasloe or in Áras an Chontae in Roscommon town.

Work needs to be done with companies in this area. This work could potentially, though not necessarily, be around satellite offices if the companies wished to establish them. Work should be done with them on one-off working or further measures. Work is definitely needed because the infrastructure in place is definitely under-utilised. This is a point of which we need to take cognisance in the context of this committee.