Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)

The number of service providers registered with ComReg, the body with which they must be licensed, has increased from 80 to 130 companies. At least 45 different broadband offerings exist across a range and variety of technologies, including DSL mainly, but also fibre, cable, lease lines and satellite technology.

Business people, including people who work at home and from home, are regularly in contact with the Department on the provision of broadband. I do not know the numbers of representations but there are quite a few. We recently had meetings with the chambers of commerce of Ireland and discussed the role they might play in the rollout of broadband. I am in touch with two bodies linked to IBEC, the Telecommunications and Internet Federation and the Telecommunications Users Group, and they are also anxious to roll out broadband in all its forms throughout the country. The €15 million required for the broadband for schools scheme was provided by TIF. While a significant level of interest and representation comes from the private sector and the public generally for this, the largest group of people who make representations or raise queries on this matter are Members of the Oireachtas on behalf of their constituents.

See this speech in context