Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

We will keep the pressure on for those who do not have service. The Deputy's second point is one of the real learnings of the storm, that when the network goes down, it is not just the loss of the phone - I do not mean to be flippant - but also the loss of all contact and connection with the outside world. For older or vulnerable people or people who live in isolated rural areas and their families, the impact, stress, mental health impact and worry going on 18 weeks later are a cause of significant concern. ComReg as the regulator and the Minister, Deputy O'Donovan, will continue to intensively monitor this situation until it is fully resolved. Then, as I said, there will be a broader piece of work on what, if anything, needs to change from a regulatory point of view and definitely from a resilience building point of view.

On the reconstitution grant and the difference between the issue the Deputy raised about wind-blown timber, the Minister and Minister of State are here today as those with responsibility. They will engage with the Deputy and keep in touch with him about it.

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