Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State the reply. He stated: "The State is not a service provider in this market and can only intervene in cases of demonstrated market failure."

I am concerned about situations where market failure is demonstrable. Unfortunately, such failures have occurred in large parts of rural Ireland. It is welcome that the Department is preparing proposals to address the issue. Given the size of Ireland and its dispersed population, it is not economically attractive for service providers to supply the aforementioned villages. However, we need to prioritise this work. This issue has been ongoing since the first rural broadband scheme was rolled out in 2008. At the end of 2013 too many areas continue to have poor broadband services. It cannot simply be a question of identifying areas and telling people to deal with this or that provider. The services need to be affordable. I am fortunate to have opted for satellite broadband, but it cost €300 or €400 to have it installed and the service costs €50 per month. Many people cannot afford such a service. When areas are identified, we need to ensure the provision is effective and affordable. I ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to revert to me early in the new year with a clear timeframe for when the work will be completed in order that we can tell people when services will be delivered to them.

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