Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge that some 65,000 households will be connected to broadband by the end of the year. However, tens of thousands of others will not be. The national broadband plan has had many false dawns, resulting in much disappointment across rural areas.

To understand how out of the touch the Government is, during the silly season the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade advised people in rural areas to apply for passports on the Internet. To say that to people who will not have high-speed broadband for years shows how out of touch the Government really is. Many people who could work from home should be provided with proper broadband. The Minister should speak to Eir. It provides a service but there are gaps in the fibre optic laid out on the national roads, even around clusters of houses and businesses. The Minister should see if Eir can bridge some of these gaps. Broadband must be provided by way of a comprehensive plan. While the Minister is in a honeymoon period, I believe he will do everything possible. We need answers on the national broadband plan soon. We are answerable to our electorate. It is like saying some can have electricity but others cannot. It is not rocket science. By way of a proper plan, as well as a commitment by the Government and the service provider, broadband could be made available sooner rather than later. I wish the Minister well. Will he take the lead and move on this matter where other Ministers have failed?

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