Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The total cost of the broadband plan between 2020 and 2043 will now be almost €3 billion. That includes €1.5 billion of additional funding over and above the amount already allocated in the development plan between 2020 and 2027. Of that amount, €782 million will be required between now and 2023.

On "Six-One" some weeks ago and in answer to a parliamentary question that I asked, the Minister said categorically that no project or development plan would be cancelled, delayed or impacted by the decision to proceed with the broadband plan. Will he explain in detail how the broadband plan will be delivered? He says it will be funded by increased revenue in the future but the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council, IFAC, states that is not credible. The Secretary General of the Department has indicated that funding will come from future capital expenditure projects while the Minister states that is not credible. The Economic and Social Research Institute, ESRI, stated this morning that taxes might have to be raised. I believe the money will come either from borrowing or cuts in expenditure. Will the Minister enlighten the House as to how the plan will proceed?

See this speech in context