Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The European Commission target of delivering 30 Mbps by 2020 is non-binding. Nevertheless, I hear what the Deputy is saying and he is making a strong point.

In fairness, there is unanimity in this House. We might disagree on some minor aspects regarding it but there is unanimity in the House that we need to get this rolled out quickly and that it is future-proofed in terms of the requirements. A tendering process is currently under way. We want to see the highest possible speeds available in the shortest possible time in as many communities as possible. It is our intention to make sure that when the network is being rolled out, it is to every county simultaneously. It is not a case that because Roscommon has the largest proportion of the population which requires high-speed broadband, it will be first or because Monaghan has the second highest proportion, it will be second.

Coincidentally, the two Ministers who are in charge of delivery of this programme come from Roscommon and Monaghan. We are determined, as is every Member of this House, whether from an urban area or a rural area, to roll out a network that is future-proofed and which meets the current and future requirements of home owners and businesses. I am taking note of the Deputy's comments.

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