Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

The contracts will be signed with an eye to the taxpayer's interest to ensure good value for money. The only reason for the delay is to get it right for the taxpayer.

In terms of next generation networks, the Department is working at full stretch in terms of how to deliver open access fibre in our planning regulations. It is working with the National Roads Authority, the rail companies and other State bodies to map out our State ducting and is working with the telecommunications industry to see how best we can provide these networks on a local access basis. We are committed to that and working towards it.

The situation is similar with regard to schools' broadband. I see this as one of the most crucial developments. We are renegotiating and re-entering into contracts catering for the 4,000 schools that have broadband. We will return with improved broadband and are looking at specific schools where we intend to ramp up immediately - this year - to 100 mbps. I hope to announce details of that shortly.

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