Pages 46 and 47 of the programme for a partnership Government states that one of the biggest challenges facing rural Ireland is bridging the digital divide with urban areas.

Is the plan over-optimistic and can it be delivered? Is the funding ring-fenced for this project or is it aspirational and destined for the long finger? Can the Taoiseach guarantee that the Government will follow through on the plan to extend high-speed broadband to every premises in the State?

There are two Departments involved, namely, the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. The tender that is being examined at the moment is quite complex and there is a risk that has to be taken into account. Obviously, the number of houses covered by the national broadband scheme has varied because of the statements made by some of the commercial bodies that they feel they can include more houses in what would be a commercial investment area. I think there has been approximately 300 hours of discussion about this and there is quite a deal more to go but it is so important that we cannot afford not to do it. If we are to adhere to the eight regional action plans for jobs and if we are to give students in our schools the opportunity to be able to compete, we need to be able to roll this out. I can give Deputy Breathnach more accurate information later but that is where it is currently. It is on track and when it is eventually rolled out, it will be the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs which will roll out the task forces to actually implement the broadband being rolled out in different areas.