Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)

More than 100 customers in the Mastergeehy valley in Dromid cannot receive a proper service because of outdated equipment. In 1983 and 1984 equipment was provided for a period of six years. In 2012 the same equipment remains in the valley and there is a completely unreliable service as a result. Because of the transatlantic cable, Valentia Island was known throughout the world for telecommunications. However, when I sought to secure the provision of a broadband connection there, I was told by the company that 300 customers would not make it viable to provide a service.

My point is that when semi-State companies are taken over and plundered by profiteers who send their money to Australia, we are left with nothing, as is clearly evident if one travels the countryside. Poles are falling down and wires are hanging down. The Minister can laugh, but is he blind? Can he not see it is wrong?

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