Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Members who are participating in the meeting are required to do so from within the Leinster House precincts only. I remind all those in attendance to ensure their mobile phone are switched off or on silent mode.

I welcome the witnesses, who are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentations they make to the committee. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Cathaoirleach to ensure this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person or entity either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or entity outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

The committee will now consider the roll-out and delivery of broadband in rural areas. At the recent historic meeting of the joint committee on oileán Árainn Mhór, it was demonstrated how broadband technology can bring parliamentary democracy closer to the people. The delivery of high-speed broadband has yet to be achieved on our offshore islands, but it has the potential to transform so many of the key issues the committee encountered on that day. During our hearings, we were presented with a set of unique challenges that are faced by our island communities.

We also heard about solutions which, if adopted, can not only address the challenges on the islands but can help support isolated communities across Ireland and across the world. These solutions are in large part driven by the adoption of broadband on our islands and in our rural areas.

To use health as an example, our island communities are not only using high-speed broadband connectivity to facilitate virtual consultations, remote monitoring of patients, community-based health activity and nutritional strategies for individuals, they are to the fore in using robots as emergency responders and drones to deliver medical supplies as well as trialling artificial intelligence to help with the scheduling of patient appointments. Clare Island will soon trial remote telepresence to determine whether technology can help combat loneliness in our island population. This will only be made possible by continuous robust connections, not just to our islands but to all those living in remote rural areas. The committee is in full support of the national broadband plan and would like to hear a full report on its swift roll-out and delivery and, more important, any steps that can be taken by the Government or the Oireachtas to expedite the completion of what is the first programme of its kind in the world.

From the Department of Rural and Community Development, I welcome: Mr. Fintan O'Brien, assistant secretary for rural development and regional affairs; and Mr. Brendan Whelan, principal officer in the regional development and innovation unit. From the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, I welcome: Mr. Fergal Mulligan, director of the digital connectivity office; Ms Jacqueline Barron from NBP operations; Mr. Kevin O'Donoghue, principal officer for the national broadband plan; and Mr. Gavin Brown, deployment lead. From National Broadband Ireland, NBI, I welcome: Mr. Peter Hendrick, infrastructure chief executive officer; Ms Tara Collins, chief marketing officer; and Mr. T.J. Malone, deployment chief executive officer. They are all very welcome.

I invite Mr. O'Brien to make his opening statement.