Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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I will have to revert to the Deputy on passenger numbers and subventions for Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus. To respond to his question on whether the Government is promising a fibre connection to every home, the answer is "No". The national broadband plan envisages dealing conclusively with the rural connectivity issues in order that the current generation and future generations will have guaranteed access to high-quality, high-speed broadband. The network we wish to see built will, therefore, be scalable and capable of meeting future anticipated traffic growth. Whatever the technology used, it must ensure users have a minimum service of 30 Mbps. I cannot speak to the technical aspects because I am not an engineer or expert on the technicalities involved.

I fully understand the comments made on the rural social scheme, on which I have communicated with the Department of Social Protection. I am well aware of the benefits of the scheme, including in my area. I have written to the Department of Social Protection asking that it consider increasing funding for the scheme. While I have not yet received a response, we are working on the issue, which is worth pursuing.

On micro-structures, this matter will be addressed at local authority level under the local enterprise office or LEO structure. This is the correct mechanism in which to deal with the issue.

On forestry and rural employment, these issues will be addressed in detail in local area plans. While I am not opposed to examining any of these issue, I must work in conjunction with the local enterprise offices and the new local economic development plans that are under consideration.

I am not saying that the Comhar na nOileán service will close or anything of that nature. We are aware of the issues facing the islands and we are managing the process. I explained previously that I am hampered by the legal issues arising from the social inclusion and community activation programme, SICAP. An announcement on the SICAP is imminent and I could revert to the joint committee-----