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

The programme for Government has raised the prospect of moving to try to accelerate the national broadband plan. That is, however, something that must be followed through in some detail regarding engagement with the company concerning what is possible. I accept fully the point made by the Deputy regarding the poor quality of broadband in rural Ireland being a real inhibitor of economic rejuvenation and development.

As I said to one of the Deputy's colleagues yesterday, Skibbereen is a good example of what can happen when a significant hub and connectivity is developed. That is something I am conscious of and I take the Deputy's point. We will do whatever we possibly can to accelerate the national broadband plan and to enable people to engage in a range of activities, social, educational and economic, in rural Ireland.

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