Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

At the outset, I compliment Senator Dooley and Deputy Ó Murchú for proposing that this group come before us as part of our deliberations on this most important issue. I have missed much of the meeting because I was chairing in the Dáil and then I spoke in a debate there.

What type of engagement has there been between NBI, the Department and the organisations represented today as key stakeholders in the provision of broadband across Ireland? There is a commitment by Government to accelerate the delivery of broadband across the State and to bridge the real gaps that exist in service provision. I strongly believe that private companies such as those represented here have a major role to play.

What type of engagement, if any, has there been between the Department, NBI and the witnesses regarding the role they can play in helping to accelerate the delivery of broadband?