Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

As a Deputy from a rural part of the country, I understand the frustrations. Everyone accepts that broadband is essential, just like water, electricity and sewerage. Broadband is now essential in every home.

The Government commitment is to provide broadband to every house. The tender process is coming to a conclusion. The final evaluation is taking place. It will be concluded in the coming weeks. The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Bruton, will bring a report to Cabinet once it is completed.

It is my hope that we will reach the targets that we have set out. What we have to do is work towards that. Progress is being made and has been made, but not for everyone and that is the problem. The Deputy will be aware of that. I have set out the figures for Wexford, including the number of houses with access. The percentages have gone up but still we have many people who do not have it. We are trying to fill in these gaps.

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