Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for that enlightening presentation. I have no issue with sitting down with the Minister and discussing the issues he raised. He might forward to me some further details on the company and its work.

That said, the allocation of spectrum is a matter for proper procurement processes and so on. It is not a process with which we can readily interfere. If it is the Deputy's contention that the mechanism unduly disadvantages smaller operators, that is something that can be considered. The national development plan is not one that will be working behind the scenes, as the Deputy suggested. The programme for Government commits to an accelerated roll-out of the national broadband plan if that is possible. The objective is to deliver it faster than within the seven-year period specified.

Work between the Department and the company is ongoing. There is still some work to be done in terms of improving on the timelines around the national broadband plan. Towards the latter end of this year, the Government would like to be in a position to have the full assessment and costings available in regard to the idea of proceeding faster with the national broadband plan, if that is possible.

I am aware of local initiatives, such as the digital hub in Skibbereen, which is a very good example of collaboration between private companies and the public interest, and incorporating a degree of philanthropy. That example proved particularly effective in terms of being a catalyst for the generation of jobs and companies locating near the hub and in Skibbereen more widely. I do not disagree with the Deputy about the significance of broadband and connectivity in respect of rural Ireland and enabling economic recovery in rural Ireland. It is an essential prerequisite to enabling rural Ireland to fulfil its economic potential into the future.

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