Mr. Fergal Mulligan:

I will come in quickly. There is absolutely an openness and a willingness to roll-out more broadband connections points. I emphasise that, if there is no broadband connection point in close proximity to the areas and premises the Deputy has mentioned, the local community can go to the local broadband officer in Cork. With the community, that officer can select a particular building, perhaps a community hall or parish hall, which locals feel could be fit for the purposes of remote working or studying and then engage with the Department of Rural and Community Development and our Department. We will then get that building connected, over and above what we have already done. That door is wide open if there is a suitable building in particular area. We can engage directly through National Broadband Ireland but it does not necessarily have to be done through NBI. The Department of Rural and Community Development is engaged with many companies to address the need the Deputy has mentioned, if a suitable building is available. I emphasise the need for the local community to come forward with that building to take up that option.