Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

To be honest, I have not got that far yet. The reason I selected the 12 counties mentioned is because broadband is weakest in most of them. They have basic broadband, but they do not have high speed broadband. I visited a school in Claremorris, with which I have some familiarity, where the first year students have been using tablets since the beginning of the academic year, but due to the weakness of broadband provision, they will not be able to continue that as they move through the school. The fantastic opportunities created by the availability of industrial strength broadband in second level schools mean that 50 classrooms can operate at the same time and the quality of teaching and learning is enhanced.

The truthful answer to Deputy Collins's question is that I have not decided for 2013. The criteria for this year related to where broadband provision was weakest. I would like to see the belt of west Dublin being included next year, but if Deputy Collins is making a plea for west Limerick, I will have a look at that as well.

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