Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister. He is two weeks shy of completing his first year in the job and many questions and grey areas remain regarding broadband provision. The public is looking for a clear policy direction. The forum on broadband met last February. Since then Deputy Coveney, the Fine Gael spokesperson in this area, has repeatedly asked when the forum will report and engage in consultation. The Minister said this will happen soon. When will the consultation process happen? His reference to an on-line consultation is ironic. Will a facility be provided for those who do not have access to computers or broadband to contribute to the debate, given many rural areas do not have access to broadband?

An issue arose earlier regarding the Taoiseach's comment that the national development plan is under review. Will the investment the Minister plans in ICT in schools proceed? There is complete confusion about this, as highlighted by my colleague, Deputy Brian Hayes, earlier. Will the Minister shed some light on that?

Have industry representative groups been consulted? If not, when will that happen? The Minister said a report would be published soon but he still has not specified when. It is important that the industry representative groups, which are key contributors to the broadband debate, be included. When he was in Opposition, the Minister was a strong advocate of the importance of NGN. I do not intend this as a political slight but his energies have been very much employed in the green sector and the broadband debate has been consigned to the position of bridesmaid within his portfolio. It is evident our position on NGN, next generation networking, is weak in a EU context. Will he take responsibility for this area? He has been in the position for almost a year but, as of yet, he has provided little direction.

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