Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his reply. It is helpful to know which groups are in the running for the national broadband scheme. I wish to make a reality check for anyone listening to this debate. Ireland is still a long way behind all its direct competitors and many of its European neighbours in terms of broadband connectivity. A total of 7.8% of the population of County Leitrim have broadband and the total in County Cavan is 9.1%. I contest the Minister's figures of 16% which he outlined. Independent estimates would put the figure closer to 12% or 13%.

With regard to the Supplementary Estimate of €16.2 million which was mentioned earlier and which we will debate next week, a total of €10 million of that sum has been diverted from information and communications technology programmes. What is losing out? Will it be broadband roll-out or group broadband schemes? If so, is the Minister transferring money from IT development and broadband roll-out to the greener homes scheme?

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