Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am aware that there is much conversation about broadband, which makes me think that there is a serious problem. Included on page 61 of the programme for Government is a commitment to invest in infrastructure, including broadband, to support the development of rural towns and villages. Recently I spoke to a blind man who uses Alexa to set timers while he is cooking, but the Wi-Fi often drops, making this more difficult, as the Tánaiste will understand.

I also spoke recently to a lady in Ferns Bridge in Monasterevin. I have many areas in my constituency where this is an issue. It is not just Ferns Bridge in Monasterevin. This lady is working at home since March and we are asking these people to work at home currently due to a crisis. Her broadband connection is very unreliable and none of the commercial operators provide broadband services in her area. Can we get a commitment that there will be a major focus on the provision of reliable broadband into these areas?

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