Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The report confirms that the integrity of my constituency colleague, Deputy Naughten, was, as I always said, never in doubt. An earlier speaker stated that broadband is a privilege. It is not. Rather, it is a necessity throughout the country.

The Minister has held responsibility for various Departments in his time. He is well aware that many people wish to meet him. If his diary for normal working hours is full, would he meet a person in regard to a contract outside those hours? All Members hold meetings at weekends or early in the morning. It is often necessary in the course of business. Are departmental staff available outside normal working hours?

The procurement process for broadband and other matters is subject to EU regulation and very complicated. Should the process be examined?

The Minister stated that broadband is being evaluated. When will that process be completed? There has been uncertainty in that regard for some months. When will work commence on the provision of broadband to the areas of rural Ireland where people are crying out for it? When will that work be completed?

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