John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I ask the Leader to raise the issue of broadband roll-out in the south-east region with the Minister for Communications, the Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Dermot Ahern. I read in the newspapers this morning that a decision appears to have been made by the Department of Communications, the Marine and Natural Resources regarding broadband roll-out in the south-east. The south-east regional authority was the lead authority for the Serpant project, which was due to commence in January or February 2003. It appears the Department has indicated money is not available for the 19 local broadband networks which were due to be set up in the country despite constant assurances given before and after the election. It also appears that the south-east project has been shelved indefinitely. There is even no confirmation that it be launched in 2004.