Today, the National Competitiveness Council called for an increase in the pace of delivery of the national broadband plan, but the Government's plans to fast-track its delivery have been long-fingered. The Government has accepted the excuse that the roll-out is six months behind schedule due to disruptions caused by Covid-19. The programme's delivery is 50% behind schedule. This is at least in part due to the chequered engagement with public bodies, including some local authorities. The previous Government established the mobile phone and broadband task force to address these bottlenecks specifically. As a member of the then Cabinet, I chaired it. However, the task force has not met since the contract for the national broadband plan was signed. I want it re-established as a matter of urgency and chaired by a member of the Cabinet to show how serious this Government is about the delivery of this vital project.

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue, which is one in which he takes a keen interest. One of the lessons for us all from Covid is the imperative of having good connectivity all over the country. The Government wants to see the national broadband plan implemented as quickly as possible and there has been ongoing engagement between the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, and National Broadband Ireland in that regard. If there are opportunities to accelerate implementation, they will be taken. I will take up with the Minister directly the issue the Deputy has raised. I will support any effort to reduce delays and backlogs and to bring the implementation forward in any way we can.