Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to raise this matter and the Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy John Browne, for attending.

Broadband is very much in the news following the recent publication of a report on its provision by the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. Tuam, County Galway, was unfortunate that some time ago an attempt was made to provide broadband to the town through the ESB's power lines. When that did not work out, Tuam went to the back of the broadband queue.

Tuam has a growing population with five second level schools and good employment. The Government and the local authority have invested in developing the town's water and sewerage schemes to attract more industry. Galway County Council is supportive of efforts to secure broadband provision for the town. What disappoints the people of Tuam is when smaller towns in County Galway get a metropolitan area network, MAN. Will the Minister of State give an indication as to when a similar network will be rolled out in Tuam?

Broadband is a vital infrastructure for securing industry. On Tuesday, the Seanad debated the fast-tracking of major strategic infrastructural projects. Broadband is one type of infrastructure that must be fast-tracked. During the week, the difference between speeds for broadband and telephone line Internet use was described on radio as the difference between an electric kettle boiling water against an old-fashioned kettle on a range. I hope the Minister will give Tuam its electric kettle and get broadband to the town as quickly as possible.