Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

My question relates to islands in particular. While I totally accept what the Minister said about the need for rural broadband in order to halt rural decline, the islands are in a particularly precarious position. We can drive anywhere for classes and education but if people are living on an offshore island, they do not have that access and they are also very dependent on the weather for ferry services. From my own experience of islands, I know that broadband would make a difference in terms of people's access to classes and further education. For example, I believe Teagasc is planning to offer a distance education green certificate online and various other colleges, including the Organic College in Limerick, offer a number of online courses. These would all be of great benefit to people living on the islands, not to mention what could come about for business and employment.

The children on those islands that only have a primary school and go out on a Monday to second level school are dependent on the ferry. If there is no ferry, they could continue their education online. There is also potential for a televised veterinary health service. When the Minister is looking at the strategy, I ask that there be a specific strategy for the islands.

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