I propose to take Questions Nos. 391 and 394 together.
The Government remains firmly committed to ensuring that all businesses and citizens have access to high-speed, high quality broadband. This commitment is set out in the Government’s recently-published National Broadband Plan. In addition to setting out clear targets in relation to speeds, the Plan also sets ambitious deadlines for achieving these plus a range of complementary measures (such as demand stimulation, review of our national spectrum policy, addressing planning barriers clarifying the role of State-owned infrastructure in the delivery of telecommunications services), which will also help to expedite the deployment of the necessary infrastructure to deliver these high-speed services.
Preparatory work on undertaking a national mapping exercise has already begun in my Department and this important task can begin in earnest once the current spectrum auction process has been completed by ComReg. This mapping exercise will enable the Government to make informed decisions about where exactly State intervention will be required to ensure that the investment in next generation broadband services takes place.
Given that eircom is a private company, I am not in a position to comment on the upgrading of its various exchanges countrywide. It is my understanding that such decisions are taken based primarily on the anticipated commercial return from the investment. I would reiterate however, that the Government remains committed to the delivery of high speed broadband to all businesses and citizens, irrespective of location so as to ensure that all parts of Ireland, including Carraroe, County Sligo, will have access to a modern and efficient broadband service.