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

That is something that could not have been contemplated 21 months ago.

The motion before the House also asks whether the national broadband plan is future proofed. The submissions provided to date indicate that the technical solution will be predominantly fibre to the home. This solution is considered by industry to be the most future-proofed technology because there is nothing faster than light.

Bearing all this in mind I would ask Fianna Fáil to consider the implications of what they are asking and how this would affect families, businesses and rural communities.

Deputy James Lawless has published a Bill that would have practical and positive implications on delivering broadband to people rural Ireland. I agree with Deputy Lawless when he said that there have already been numerous delays on the roll-out and there is simply no justification for me, as Minister, to start the clock again. The review that Deputy Dooley is calling for will rewind the clock considerably, with serious consequences. If Fianna Fáil wanted to help rural Ireland it would have brought forward Deputy Lawless's Bill tonight, which would have helped to improve broadband access in a practical way. Is it not time that this Dáil and politicians start to work together to deliver for the electorate?

I gave a commitment to the people of rural Ireland that I would not allow this process to continue one minute longer than was absolutely necessary in order to deliver a future-proofed broadband network for every place name in rural Ireland. Standing on the eve of delivering that, an historic project for the economic development of rural Ireland, I do not intend to allow politics to push this procurement process out further. I intend to supply real high-speed broadband to rural Ireland, and I have the confidence that this contract and its infrastructure will stand the test of time. I believe there is unanimous support in this House for the speedy and efficient delivery of the national broadband plan. Now is the time to continue that momentum, not the time for indecision, reflection, point scoring or diversion. It is the time for resolve in our ambition, not for uncertainty. Rural Ireland is waiting and we must step up and deliver. I understand and share the frustration of the people across this country who do not have access to high-speed broadband, but the finishing line is in sight. Rural Ireland has waited long enough. Let us all work together and deliver high-speed broadband to every single home and every single premises, business, farm and community in Ireland.

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