Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

361. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the initiatives currently undertaken or planned by his Department and agencies under his remit to encourage more businesses to adapt faster, more reliable fibre to the premise broadband over slower, outdated copper broadband; if he is concerned by Comreg data which indicates that only 10% of all business broadband connections currently are fibre to the premises connections; if his Department has undertaken any research on the impact of continuing to use outdated copper broadband on business productivity and efficiency and on the adaptation of digital technologies such as AI; the way in which his Department intends to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37078/25]

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My colleague Patrick O’Donovan, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport is better suited to provide a response. Responsibility for the Digital Connectivity Strategy, including the National Broadband Plan, which oversees the rollout of fibre broadband across the country is under the remit of Minister O'Donovan's Department.

For the information of the Deputy, Minister O’Donovan provided a response to a parliamentary question relating to promoting and successfully implementing the Copper Switch Off on 10 June 2025. PQ 30040/25 refers. I understand the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport continues to engage with both ComReg, through a bilateral working group on Copper Switch Off, and Eir to keep apprised of any developments in this area.

The 2025 Programme for Government sets out an overall commitment to harnessing the digital and AI revolution to deliver effective and modern public services and to grow the economy. Digital Infrastructure commitments include continuing to deliver broadband and 5G, expansion of the Connected Hubs network, and commitments on Data Centres and data interconnections, as well as strengthening cyber security.