Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish the Minister well in his new portfolio. I thank the former Minister, Deputy Naughten, for his great work as Minister. It is clear that he was wrongly forced to resign. I hope he is appointed to another job in Cabinet.

How long it will take to ensure that the entire country, including County Kerry, has a proper broadband service? Is the Minister certain that the right option is being taken? Were all avenues explored with the ESB? If we had started rolling out carpet when we started rolling out broadband, the country would be covered in carpet. When the roll out commences, I ask that it be done systematically, similarly to how one would begin at the door if sweeping the floor. The way it has been done to date has driven people across the country mad.

A house might have houses with broadband on three sides but have none itself, with no reason other than that it has to wait for the next phase. There must be some methodology. If a person is clearing the yard with the bucket on the machine, he or she starts on one side and keeps at it until finished. The way broadband is being provided so far is purely haphazard. People cannot understand what is happening or why they are left behind when people all around them, in front and behind, have broadband. It just does not make sense.

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