Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We had a considerable debate on this last night when all parties contributed. The Government recognises the importance of this issue.

Indeed, it is a central plank in the programme for Government that we would seek to deliver high-speed broadband to every home in the country. That is an ambitious target. As a result of the initiatives we have taken, we have seen an increase in private sector participation. However, 23% of our community can only get access through a national broadband initiative, which is a non-commercial initiative supported by the State.

A submission of a final tender was made in September. However, because of the nature of the development of that tender, there is considerable due process to be undertaken to make sure that I can bring this forward to the Government. That work is continuing. There is no unnecessary delay occurring but it is a complex issue and we need to get it right, as Deputies confirmed last night.

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