Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I ask about broadband and its roll-out in rural Ireland. It is just not happening notwithstanding all the figures which are spun at us. It is having a hugely detrimental effect on students, businesses and the Action Plan for Rural Development because it is not possible to do business today without access to fast broadband speeds. It is just not being delivered even though it has been announced for us. As Deputy Healy-Rae said recently, the Government should buy back Eir because this will never be delivered without a company that is willing to do it. Eir pulled out, however. This is a serious impediment to doing business in rural Ireland, whether one is farming, in business or trying to access data as a student. It is just not fair to people in rural Ireland.

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