Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

Despite the repeated references of the Minister and his Department to the growth in penetration of broadband based on last year's figures, the reality is that Ireland continues to lag behind most European countries. The lack of urgency on the issue, particularly in comparison to the urgency accorded to other energy policy issues, has fuelled concern and speculation that the Minister is neglecting this element of his brief while doing a good job in other areas.

Does the Minister agree that an international forum was established on 27 February to offer advice on next generation broadband? He said at the time that he expected a paper to be published within weeks. However, today — months later — he still expects the paper to be produced within weeks. On 9 April, in response to a parliamentary question I tabled, he claimed the paper would be ready shortly, yet we are still waiting for it. While we are waiting, the OECD has confirmed that Ireland is falling further behind other European countries on next generation broadband. Can the Minister indicate a clear timeframe as to when the paper will be published and the length of the subsequent consultation period? When will we see a Government action plan along the lines of the plan proposed by Fine Gael several weeks ago on Private Members' business?

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