Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is correct in saying that competition can deliver good outcomes. However, there are still a lot of people who have been left behind, not just in rural areas but also in our towns, especially whole housing estates that do not have ducted access. They are being left behind by all the providers. There are towns where perhaps delivery has been provided to 70% of the houses but 20% have been left behind because providers have to dig up driveways and foothpaths to get access to them and they are not prepared to do that. Nobody does it and they walk away. There is great frustration about that. This is not just found it rural areas. It is found in urban areas as well. There needs to be a rethink in respect of that. I would like to hear the Minister's comments about how that contract can be re-orientated to ensure the main providers do not walk away from major towns and leave large sections of them behind because ducting is not in place for them.

The Minister's comments about ComReg and the level of work it will have as it expands and extends are correct. One difficulty that may arise is resourcing and finding the level of competent people for these roles.