Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

Both the difficulties and the opportunities should be recognised.

I am committed to this policy area and I am working around the clock to deliver on it, just as I am in any other area. I refute the suggestion that I am more interested in one area of my brief than in others. In fact, I see the clear connection in terms of delivering energy efficiency through digital technology. The development of next generation broadband is critical for a range of social and economic reasons.

In regard to the delay from 27 February, I intend publishing within a few weeks and no later than one month. However, I want to get it right and I was willing to spend time in the series of meetings we have held to discuss the feedback from the international advisory forum with the Departments of Finance, Education and Science and Transport, the State procurement agencies and other agencies involved in this area. That is one of the reasons for the slight delay. My intention is——

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