Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Deputy that as a Government we recognise the importance and centrality of good broadband connectivity in rural Ireland. It is the great enabler in so many respects. In a post-Covid - if I can use that phrase - environment of remote and hybrid working, there are huge opportunities for towns and villages all over Ireland. The Minister of State, Deputy Ossian Smyth, as the line Minister with responsibility for the national broadband plan, has very regular engagement with all of the key stakeholders, including NBI and also Eir, which is a supplier to NBI. The Deputy may be assured that where an opportunity exists to accelerate the roll-out of this programme, it will be seized upon. There were naturally delays during the period of Covid-19 but every effort is being made by the Department, the Minister of State, NBI and those who work with it to fast-track the roll-out of the plan insofar as is possible. We know how important it is.

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