Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

On that score, the feedback from the companies I have mentioned has been positive. Some of the companies I mentioned have been established recently and the feedback has been strong in terms of their perception of the ease of establishment in Ireland, including Cork, and the availability of skills in particular. So far, so good in that respect.

Broadband is a competitive issue for the country and we have not made the kind of progress we would have liked. Hence the State had to intervene directly in the metropolitan networks programme but progress has been made. The other side of that coin is stimulating greater demand for and utilisation of broadband. A more competitive scene is emerging and we are keen to increase availability, access and use of broadband.

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