Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There are two issues, one of which is the cost of broadband provision in Ireland as compared to in other EU countries. Various studies and research show that the cost in Ireland is among the highest. In some instances, the cost in Ireland is four or five times higher than in some other countries in the European Union. I ask the Minister to look at this. In the past two years or so we have had many debates across the floor on broadband provision, particularly in remote rural areas. Residents in parts of County Meath which are living only 15 or 16 miles from O'Connell Street still cannot access broadband and all of the plans proposed do not seem to address that issue. Businesses across the country are looking at the cost of broadband. When everything comes down to the efficiencies that can be generated, why is the cost of broadband in Ireland so high as compared to in other EU countries?

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