James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for the information provided. I acknowledge that those in areas that have had high-speed broadband roll-out through the NBP have had a hugely positive experience. There are many households, including my own, where people are working from home and also travelling to and from work. This dual model whereby people might be part of the time in their work premises and part of the time at home is going to be part of the future of working and of remote working. I do not think that full-time remote working is an option for productive work spaces in some cases. However, in some areas it works really well and allows a more family friendly dynamic. That shows why this is important for a couple with a new-build house. I am speaking in general terms but people know what I mean. For a young couple who have just built a house or a young person who has just built their own home, getting connected to broadband in rural Ireland is super-important in the context of their work. Such people might not have the option of accessing remote working hubs.

I thank the Minister of State for some clarification on the matter. It is good news, and something I can go back to my constituents with.

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