A Programme for a Partnership Government, on protecting local services, states that one of the biggest challenges facing rural Ireland is to bridge the digital divide with urban areas. It is also stated that to remedy this situation for the next 25 years is to guarantee the delivery of next generation broadband in every household and business. We all know that is not happening. That is a major issue in my own county and in my constituency of Roscommon-Galway. We have heard announcement after announcement and yet nothing has happened. When can we expect an announcement on the roll-out of the national broadband scheme? I ask that because it is so important for many towns in my constituency. Very progressive work is being done by community groups but they are being held back because we cannot deliver broadband. It is essential that we do that. Is there an update for me today?

We had a considerable debate on this last night when all parties contributed. The Government recognises the importance of this issue.

Indeed, it is a central plank in the programme for Government that we would seek to deliver high-speed broadband to every home in the country. That is an ambitious target. As a result of the initiatives we have taken, we have seen an increase in private sector participation. However, 23% of our community can only get access through a national broadband initiative, which is a non-commercial initiative supported by the State.

A submission of a final tender was made in September. However, because of the nature of the development of that tender, there is considerable due process to be undertaken to make sure that I can bring this forward to the Government. That work is continuing. There is no unnecessary delay occurring but it is a complex issue and we need to get it right, as Deputies confirmed last night.