Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
1612. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the timeframe in relation to the announcement of the future work programme of the mobile phone and broadband task force; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42285/21]
View answer1613. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress on the evaluation of the issues that should be addressed by the mobile phone and broadband taskforce; the level of engagement she has had with multiple Departments and agencies regarding the taskforce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42286/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1612 and 1613 together.
The Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce delivered more than 70 targeted actions over the three year period of its work programme, between 2016 and 2019. Among the targeted actions delivered by the Taskforce and its member organisations were large telecommunications infrastructural works; the introduction of the Broadband Officer role to every local authority; amendments to regulations, policies and practices; a range of consumer information and consumer protection measures; and the establishment of strong and open lines of communication between the various State actors in the sector and with the telecommunications industry via IBEC.
The Taskforce was the joint responsibility of my department and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications. Both departments, and indeed I and my ministerial colleagues, remain deeply committed to improving telecommunications service availability in all areas of the State, not least rural areas. The contribution of the Taskforce in meeting these commitments is undeniable.
Following the completion of the three year work programme, a strong preference for the Taskforce to continue was expressed by members and by numerous other interested parties. Accordingly, officials at my department and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications were tasked with drawing up recommendations for the future direction and composition of a refreshed Taskforce. Their recommendations are being reviewed at present. Once this review has completed, I will discuss options for the future of the Taskforce with my ministerial colleagues.
Notwithstanding the completion of the Taskforce’s work programme, I have continued to engage regularly with colleagues in Government, both national and local, with State agencies and regional development representatives and with commercial operators on a range of issues relevant to the development of rural connectivity. The lines of communication between former Taskforce members remain open and productive.
Through various recent schemes, including the recent Digital Innovation Programme, my department continues to encourage deeper collaboration between stakeholders. The rural development policy I launched this year, Our Rural Future, commits to a fully connected and digitally enabled Ireland. To this end I and my officials will continue to engage with the appropriate organisations on a multi-lateral or bi-lateral basis to ensure these commitments are met.
