Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)

I thank my colleague, Deputy Coveney, for bringing this issue before the House. The Taoiseach appeared to have a problem knowing where County Cavan is some weeks ago in the House and the Minister of State, Deputy Brendan Smith, said I did not know much about County Cavan either. However, the reason I raised the difficulties with broadband in County Cavan at that stage was that I received numerous representations from throughout my constituency and especially from County Cavan about the lack of broadband provision, particularly in rural areas. I am aware of a young couple who moved less than two miles away from the town of Cootehill only to find that no broadband was available, despite the fact that it was vital for their work. Other people in the Drum area also had serious problems. We are seeking a commitment from the Government and particularly from the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, that this issue will not just be examined but dealt with realistically.

I spoke to a group of people in Carrickmacross last Friday who told me that although the system they wanted was available outside their doors, it would cost €6,000 to link to it. Community groups simply cannot afford this money. With the winding down of employment in companies such as Kingspan Century and Grove Turkeys, to name but two in my constituency, many workers have an opportunity to start up a business on their own. However, this is being seriously curtailed by the lack of proper broadband facilities.

I am in not technically minded, unlike some of my party colleagues or possibly the Minister, but I am clearly advised that while some people have broadband in name, it is totally different to what their competitors have available to them in other countries. I urge the Minister not to divide the House on this issue but to agree with Deputy Coveney that there is an urgent need to provide adequate broadband to 100% of the population and to set clear targets on average speed, availability and penetration rates, to be achieved within set timeframes in the short or medium term. Above all, I urge him to undertake an immediate audit of all broadband telecommunication systems, whether in public or private ownership, to improve the infrastructure for carrying fibre optic cables and to draw up a detailed plan of State investment to expand the existing infrastructure.

I received a letter from a young man in Scotshouse, the home of the former Ceann Comhairle, the late Deputy Tom Fitzpatrick. This young man has tried everything to get a broadband service for himself and his local community. That large rural community is being totally ignored and the people feel like they are living in the Third World. How many more years will that community continue to be isolated in this way?

See this speech in context