Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)

The Minister knows better than most that DSL is old hat at this stage in regard to broadband connectivity. In County Wexford phase one was disappointing in that only one town was connected. Kingscourt, with a population of 1,700; Kiltimagh with a population of 1,000 and Manorhamilton were connected in phase one. Gorey, Enniscorthy and New Ross, out of 94 towns, with populations closer to 10,000, were not connected. There is a competitiveness issue here that is very important. These are fast expanding towns that will not be considered for high-end jobs because they have a very much inferior version of broadband connectivity. The Minister is talking about phase three for the next generation broadband networks. Towns such as Gorey, Enniscorthy and New Ross are being left behind.

An employer in County Wexford with an employment base of more than 250 people has no broadband connectivity but does not wish to be named because of embarrassment. I ask the Minister if it would be possible, given that we are losing jobs and competitiveness, to consider an assessment for major employers, with 200 to 250 employees or more, who have zero broadband connectivity? It is a hugely important matter. The Minister should know better than most that we cannot lose jobs because of the lack of broadband.

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