Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)

The Government understands the importance of the availability of communications infrastructure in delivering e-business, e-government and the information society to all parts of the country. The widespread availability of open access, affordable, "always on" broadband infrastructure and services for businesses and citizens is a priority for the Government and the Department. A modern, high speed, low cost communications and broadband network is an essential enabler of economic activity and social inclusion. The provision of this infrastructure and these services is a matter for the private communications companies which operate in the fully liberalised communications market.

Recognising that not all parts of the country are as economically attractive for firms to invest in infrastructure and services due to differing demographics and population densities and cognisant that the global economic downturn has adversely affected operators' ability to invest, the Department has undertaken a number of initiatives to facilitate and accelerate the deployment of advanced communications infrastructure and services which seek to address gaps in communications infrastructure in regional Ireland.