Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I support this motion. Is the Minister satisfied that broadband penetration has been a success throughout the country? Broadband is three times slower but far more expensive here than in other EU states. I live three miles from the nearest centre and accessing broadband through a landline was costing me almost €200 per month. Eventually, I got mobile broadband and the cost is down to €25 per month. This is welcome but I know that every day all of my colleagues are asked by constituents when they will have broadband.

If one lives in a major population centre one is rich with infrastructure. However, if one comes from a rural area it costs ten times more and one is not able to carry on one's business. This Government speaks about having small industries throughout the country. However, with regard to broadband the country is divided between haves and have nots. I welcome some of the measures taken by the Minister with regard to broadband but in the past ten years not bloody much has been done.

In County Roscommon we have a metropolitan area network and it was great to see broadband coming to the area. To date, 27 cities and towns, including Roscommon and Carrick on Shannon, have been included in this programme. The Government has plans to roll out a further 90 projects throughout the country in the second phase. We always hear about this second phase but it has not happened. Businesses will not come to the smaller towns in my constituency because they want metropolitan area network broadband.

Perhaps I should address my next question to the man sitting beside the Minister, namely, Deputy Killeen. With regard to finalising the roll out of the second phase, it was decided a value for money and policy review project would be carried out in my area. Why in God's name was this decided when the smaller towns there desperately need broadband? I believe this money was diverted to Clare because of the Shannon debacle. Will the Minister investigate this? This is what is coming out of the Department. Those in Castlerea and Boyle are certain this money was diverted to Shannon, which is wrong of the Government and is anti small rural areas. Will Deputy Killeen answer this question? He will not be able to answer it because it is the truth.

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