Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I do not disagree with Deputy Flanagan. He is right in saying that we have to encourage as much competition in this market as we can. I welcome the entry of a new player, which is important. The sector itself acknowledges that it is not commercially viable to provide a service in particular parts of the country and therefore State intervention is necessary. I sincerely hope that when the broadband plan is in place it will address those issues. I must commend the investment programme to which Eircom has committed, notwithstanding the recent history of that company. It is a big success that it is maintaining that investment programme and maintaining the commitment to roll out its fibre network to more than 1.4 million homes. UPC now has a very large footprint, including in Deputy Flanagan's part of Dublin. I made reference to the mobile providers as well.

The Deputy is correct to point out that each member state of the European Union is different. All we can do is to ensure we have a functioning, competitive market, and all the signs are that we are heading in that direction.

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