Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)

——the prices are prohibitive. In areas with hollows, because of the topography of Cavan, one does not get the proper signals and broadband. That is particularly difficult in Drumland, and areas with hollows. Be that as it may, the cost is prohibitive. This is a huge issue. It is not less than €30; in many instances it is over €40. It is very expensive for an ordinary family, who need it for their children going to school, apart from any ambition to set up a home industry or be in touch with modernity. They need it for their children. As the Minister said, it is a learning tool. It is prohibitively expensive and that must be addressed. That is why we do not have a higher penetration of broadband. The cost is underestimated as a factor.

We need Government subsidisation to make broadband cheaper. I welcome the Minister's remarks on 3rd July that at the end of the year it will be a requirement in all modern buildings to have ducting. I would like to see progress on that. The infrastructure should go into all State and private buildings. The failure to compel the developers of large private housing estates and offices to include the necessary infrastructure during recent years was a missed opportunity.

I have a map which shows areas of the country in which we do not have broadband. They are marked in green and are of significant size. In the areas in which we have broadband coverage cost is a major issue. I submit to the Minister that we need to examine cost and adult education because cost and lack of competence are major issues as are penetration and availability.

My party will support the Bill. We would table amendments on Committee Stage to obtain clarification from Senator Ross on the network board. We have no difficulty with the targets or the principle of the Bill. I welcome it as a pro-active step to put ourselves in a position with regard to broadband which is proper for the 21st century.