The statistics and numbers that the Taoiseach has outlined are a result of the commercial decisions of a number of operators in this State, with no reference whatsoever to his Government. He has identified 500,000 premises in the State which are to be covered with State support under the national broadband plan. Will the Taoiseach tell the House when he intends to issue a contract for this work to be done, what the start date will be for the work and when he expects that it will be completed? Will he desist from taking credit on behalf of the State for the work of private companies?

The Government engages with these private companies and facilitates them. One of the particular facilitations has been appointing broadband officers in local authorities to make sure that they get through the planning and compliance that they need.

Come on.

The contract is, as the Deputy knows, being handled by the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Denis Naughten, and it has to go through all sorts of different compliance and other issues.

The Taoiseach is talking about a few years ago.

We would certainly anticipate that being signed next year.

Next year.