Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)

I thank the Minister for his reply. We must focus on the purpose of the question which relates to enterprises with ten or more employees. Although these are not major enterprises it is clear that broadband access remains a major issue. We lag behind and no amount of statistics will change this fact. In the most recent report, we were at 66%. At that time, the UK was at 78% and little Malta was at 89%.

I accept we have had an increase and it is proper and right because we started from such a low base. However, as we move other countries move further ahead and this affects our competitiveness. What will the Minister do at a practical level to deal with the complaints in the IT sector in particular about the issues of quality and cost of low penetration? It has been described as a joke. People have stated they are embarrassed about the relationship between broadband and business in Ireland.

When will the needs of teleworkers in rural areas be met? I do not expect the Minister to know where Preban is in south Wicklow but I want him to know that 25 householders in the parish need broadband. Some of them could stay at home and work much more productively if they had broadband, rather than being stuck in traffic jams trying to get to work in Dublin, but they have no means of accessing a broadband service. Despite being part of Enterprise Ireland, they are not being catered for.

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