Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I note you welcomed some members substituting for others, Chairman. Senator Dolan is here as well in substitution for Senator Seery Kearney.

I thank the Minister of State for going through the details with us. It is an interesting proposal that boils down to the national broadband plan, which has the potential to transform day-to-day life for people throughout the country. The Tánaiste recently published the working from home strategy. The rural development policy for the next five years was also recently published. These two plans together can change how we do business and rebalance the work-life pressures so many families face. Connection to high-speed broadband is key to unlocking the potential of remote working, which I believe is the way forward.

Today, Apple employs more people in Ireland remotely than in offices. Right now, the majority of employees in large and multinational corporations are working from home. With the new right to be able to seek to work from home, it is vital we are able to provide people with the infrastructure to do so.

As the Minister of State indicated, the new funding structure will provide certainty for all stakeholders. Certainty is vital to any kind of business. It is significant the local authorities are in favour of that change. They are the ones at the forefront of these key projects. I congratulate the Minister of State and all in his team on their work on this important project.