Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am raising the issue of rural broadband. The Government’s national broadband plan was announced in 2012. We are still waiting seven years later. The delay and uncertainty continues, unfortunately. That uncertainty has been added to in recent days by comments made by the Taoiseach. He seemed to indicate that a hard Brexit, and a resultant bailout for farmers, could affect the national broadband plan. His comments were rejected outright by the president of the Irish Farmers Association, IFA, Mr. Joe Healy. It is important we get clarity on this issue.

Broadband is not just an essential tool for the farming community. It is also vital for rural businesses and rural families throughout the country.Rural Ireland has been waiting long enough for broadband. Why should the people of rural Ireland be treated like second-class citizens when it comes to modern communications? Rural Ireland needs certainty and clarity on when exactly it will get broadband. I hope that today the Leader will request the Minister to come in and give us clarity on the Taoiseach's comments and when rural families and businesses, as well as farmers throughout rural Ireland, can expect the national broadband plan to be rolled out.