Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

I am aware of the Deputy's interest in the subject because he has been in contact with me on more than one occasion about it. I am fairly convinced that we will have 99% penetration if not by the end of this year, certainly by next year. The problem, as he pointed out, often relates to the last mile and often relates to the bandwidth and speeds rather than the availability of basic broadband. I am considering a number of measures in this regard. I have recently convened a task force, chaired by me and comprising the chief executive officers of the telecommunications companies and Internet providers. Its purpose is to set down a roadmap for the future with the purpose of having a national broadband plan with effect from as early in 2012 as we can, that will deal with the undoubted issues of quality, to which the Deputy refers. Where there are still outstanding premises throughout rural areas, but not exclusively in rural areas, that for reasons of topography or not being able to reach the Cabinet or whatever, do not have broadband, I would like colleagues to advise them of the existence of the rural broadband scheme, which closes on 29 July. If there are such areas in rural Ireland, I would appreciate Deputies promulgating the fact that the scheme exists and counselling people to make application.

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