Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his supplementary. It is important to point out that the new national broadband plan has to be technology neutral in terms of EU state guidelines. There has been much communication and consultation at European Union level. The Deputy's last question was about possible European Union funds and strands of funds. Consultation is under way to look at a combined package of money. Obviously, at this stage we cannot give a broad figure because the procurement process will start and it will be full steam ahead at the end of the year. In light of procurement, it is important we do not mention a figure. However, there has to be a bundle. There has to be national government funding, and there is possible European Investment Bank funding and a combination of funding.

In regard to the kerb, which was the Deputy's first question, there is investment by commercial operators, for example, by Vodafone and the ESB in 50 large towns and Eircom with a further roll-out at a commercial level. There is also fibre to cabinet delivery by semi-State companies for 70% of homes and businesses, with almost one third potentially having access to fibre to the premises.

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