When will the EirGrid Bill be published and debated? When will the energy (miscellaneous provisions) Bill be brought before the House? Recently in answering ministerial questions the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Alex White, agreed to have a debate on broadband provision. When will the debate be held because there is major concern, particularly in rural communities, about broadband provision? Nobody believes the latest proposal from the Government to address the issue.

The EirGrid and energy (miscellaneous provisions) Bills will be taken in the first half of next year. With regard to the discussion on broadband communications the Deputy mentioned, last Monday the Minister published the information on mapping in County Clare. It is a matter for the Whips to arrange a time and there is no difficulty except in finding an opportunity to debate the issue.

At Question Time the Minister promised to have a debate on the issue of broadband. When will it be dealt with the House?

The Deputy should ask his Whip to raise the issue at the Whips meeting and the Chief Whip will make arrangements whenever time permits. There is no objection to having a debate on the issue.