Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I join Deputies in wishing our four departing colleagues every success in their new roles in the European Parliament. I wish our Seanad colleague, Senator Grace O'Sullivan, similar success in the important work she will now be undertaking.

Eir has claimed that it can deliver rural broadband for approximately €1 billion, one third of the Government's current cost outline. I understand from what the Taoiseach said yesterday that the Government has written to Eir to seek further information on this. The immediate reaction of the Taoiseach yesterday struck me as more about defending the current position than being fully open to exploring all options. In essence, his immediate reaction was to doubt that Eir could connect homes and businesses at an affordable cost. He also doubted that it could cover the 25-year maintenance costs. Both of these issues have been disputed by Eir. I have two direct and simple questions. Will the Minister confirm that the Government will genuinely explore alternatives to the current Government plan that will speedily, efficiently and at a lesser cost to the taxpayer provide rural broadband? Will he give the House a commitment to the House that no contract will be signed until that exploration has been fully completed?

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