Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)

Is the Minister aware of a recent report that, despite improvements in broadband roll-out, placed Ireland 12 out of 15 in a survey on EU broadband penetration? Despite the third highest growth rate of broadband services, penetration remains well below the EU average.

What is particularly striking is the low level of broadband accessibility in rural areas. There are still large areas of the State with no access to broadband. A year ago while Dún Laoghaire had penetration levels of 40%, the rate in Leitrim was 7% and Sligo, 10% and Leinster counties such as Wexford and Longford had similar levels. Does the Minister understand this is a serious problem for the rural economy? It has been cited as one of the main barriers to job creation in rural areas. Will the Minister agree it is, therefore, too important an area to be left to private providers and the State must play a greater role in ensuring broadband access is available throughout the State?

Will the Minister agree a universal service obligation, similar to that which applies to the telephone network and the postal services, ought to be applied to broadband services? If the market remains in private hands, private companies should be obliged to provide services even in areas where they claim no profit can be made.

The Minister's party was correct in opposing the privatisation of Eircom in 1999. The deficiencies I have highlighted are a direct consequence of this. Two years ago, the Minister supported the retaining of Eircom as a natural State monopoly to ensure access to broadband in every part of the State. Does he still hold that view?

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