Alan Dillon
Mayo · Fine Gael · Ireland
“Landlords are generally not in a position to supervise day-to-day waste management practices within occupied properties. The Government therefore has significant concerns regarding both the practicality and effectiveness of these provisions.”
“The Government has commissioned an independent study to examine the feasibility of moving Ireland's household waste collection system from the current side-by-side competition model to a franchise-based system. That study is examining the environmental, economic, operational and consumer implications of alternative market structures.”
“If the evidence supports significant changes to the market structure, the Government will consider those recommendations carefully. If the evidence suggests improvements can be achieved through strengthened regulation, enhanced enforcement or targeted reforms within the existing framework, those options should also be considered.”
“We also want to see a well-designed waste collection system that not only delivers environmental benefits but also provides householders with the opportunity to reduce their own household waste costs through reducing residual waste, correctly segregating recyclable materials and correctly segregating organic materials.”
“We have a lack of capacity so we need to continue that, and investment certainty is really important in that regard but also to enable Ireland to meet both our national and European obligations, which are far reaching. These will all benefit from a stable and predictable policy framework.”
“Ireland requires continued investment across the waste and resource sector. We need investment in collection infrastructure, recycling capacity, material recovery technologies, organic waste treatment, digital systems and innovation. Those making long-term investments require certainty regarding Government policy.”
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“Along with that, we are introducing affordability measures, and the Deputy will see that in the energy affordability action plan that will be published in quarter 3 of this year.”
“Again, we have done extensive evidence-based analysis. If the Deputy examines the Department's KPMG report, he will note it reflects the reality of Ireland being recognised as a global digital hub. I accept that the future pathway needs to be different, and that is exactly what we are implementing. We will no longer be in a position where the sector will be unmanaged. We will introduce a plan-led framework based on the large energy user action plan. That will align energy demand with renewable supply and ensure we have grid stability that is protected. We are also very much focused on accelerating renewable delivery. We will see onshore wind, offshore wind and solar generation capacity rapidly increase, with a target of over 80% by 2030.”
“This is a core energy-intensive sector and, as such, it reinforces the effectiveness of a plan-led approach for future development of the most energy-intensive industries, including data centres, as set out in the Government's large energy user action plan. The environmental NGO report referred to by the Deputy is consistent with the Government position by underlining the importance of accelerating the deployment of renewable energy to remove gas-related cost effects driving energy prices. The Government has introduced a number of initiatives, including unprecedented investment in PR6 and ongoing co-operation in the acceleration of the infrastructure task force to support increased roll-out of renewables.”
“It reports that there are over 19,500 directly employed in the industry. As detailed in the large energy user action plan, Ireland's technology sector, underpinned by digital infrastructure and data centres, accounted for employment of over 180,000 people in quarter 4 of 2024, equivalent to 7% of Ireland's total workforce. This highlights that beyond their direct contribution to construction and operations, data centres play a critical role in enabling access to a wide range of digital-intensive sectors, enhancing the competitiveness of the Irish economy. While data centres are large energy users, Ireland's industrial electricity demand – unlike that in other European countries, which are heavily industrially based – is primarily concentrated on the digital economy.”
“Data centres represent critical digital infrastructure that is central to Ireland's modern economy. They strengthen Ireland's position as a strategic, knowledge-intensive regional hub for the ICT sector and also support broader retention and expansion of existing investment that supports billions of euro in economic value for Ireland via high-wage employment, tax receipts and the supplier ecosystem. The Government's policy is supportive of continued sustainable data centre developments that are consistent with our twin digital and green transitions. The Value of Data Centres to Ireland is an independent report commissioned by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment that clearly demonstrates the significant role data centres play in our economy and draws on extensive consultation with relevant experts.”
“As a small, open economy, Ireland is particularly vulnerable. As such, the best approach for the Government is to ensure that we remain flexible to the challenges that lie ahead. Over the long term, we must continue to reduce our exposure to international energy markets by investing in secure domestic energy supply. Our fiscal strategy, set out in the medium-term plan, allows us to achieve both these aims. It ensures that we have the ability to respond to the challenges quickly and appropriately while maintaining the sustainability of the public finances and investing in the long term.”
“As we take decisive action to support businesses and households in the short term, we also must maintain our ability to respond to future shocks and safeguard our economy into the long term. The medium-term fiscal and structural plan, published in December 2025, allows us to do that. It provides a framework for maintaining a sustainable budgetary strategy into the future and by setting out an overall medium-term expenditure path. The medium-term plan provides the Government with the flexibility to respond to challenges in a timely and appropriate manner. By focusing on the medium term, it safeguards overall fiscal sustainability. It is important to predict how external events will evolve and what new challenges will emerge into the future. The broader global environment remains incredibly uncertain.”
“These investments generate real benefits for households by making Irish homes more sustainable and more energy efficient and by lowering energy costs. The national energy affordability task force, which was established in June 2025, will further accelerate on the implementation of measures to improve energy affordability and security. The energy affordable task force will provide a coherent cross-Government strategy for reducing energy costs for Irish businesses and consumers in the long term. In all of this, it is vital to recognise that the Government's ability to respond to energy shocks and to invest in strategic energy infrastructure is made possible by sensible management of the public finances.”
“In order to achieve our long-term success, the institutions of the State and, crucially, the private sector need to be able to deliver more efficiently and achieve better value for money. The accelerating infrastructure action plan will do just that. This plan is on track to speed up the delivery and therefore lower costs for critical infrastructure such as energy transmission. We recently achieved 8 GW of installed onshore renewable energy capacity, a major clean energy milestone on the path toward green energy efficiency and security. In addition to this, budget 2026 allocated record funding for home retrofitting, including fully funded upgrades to the warmer homes scheme for those in energy poverty.”
“This is one of the lowest rates across the EU. The increases in core welfare rates benefit some 1.5 million people, including pensioners, people with disabilities, carers and lone parents. These measures have been carefully designed to be long-lasting and fiscally sustainable. In the long term, our strategic dependence on fossil fuels has major economic implications. Moving towards domestic sources of renewable energy will reduce the impact of shocks like these and will also help to insulate people from dramatic increases in energy costs, such as we have seen in recent months and previously during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This is why we are investing record levels of funding in the energy infrastructure through the national development plan. We know that money alone is not the answer to every problem.”
“The Department of Finance estimates that, taken together, this package has reduced the annual rate of inflation from April to July by 0.6 percentage points. These measures are targeted to support the essential sectors that we depend on and those most vulnerable to price increases. While they are temporary in nature, time-bound and proportionate, they are in line with the longer term fiscal strategy. Of course, these temporary supports are only one aspect of the Government’s response. They build on measures introduced over the past two budgets that provide real benefits for households and businesses across the country. These include the 9% VAT rate for hospitality and hairdressing, taking effect from 1 July, that will support over 150,000 jobs. The reduced 9% VAT rate on electricity and gas will remain in place until the end of 2030.”
“Importantly, we are doing this in a way that does not jeopardise our long-term objectives, which are centred around permanent changes to our energy system so people do not have to face rapid price increases in the future. To support those affected by the energy price spikes, we have introduced a €750 million package of supports, one of the largest packages across the European Union. The impact of the supports that we introduced has been significant, with 27 cent off a litre of petrol, 32 cent off a litre of diesel and 7.4 cent off a litre of green diesel. We have extended the fuel allowance, expanded the diesel rebate scheme and reduced the NORA levy. We have also opened the fuel support scheme for farmers, with a scheme for hauliers to follow in the coming weeks.”
“I welcome the opportunity to close this debate. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Charlie McConalogue, for his opening remarks, which I will expand on. As he outlined, the Government opposes the motion brought forward by the Independent Ireland Deputies. The Government is acutely aware of the pressures faced by many households and businesses across the country as a result of the increased energy and fuel prices on the back of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In response, we have taken a flexible approach, helping in a meaningful way across a number of areas and making sure that ordinary people see the benefit of those interventions.”
“From discussions with the Minister for Health, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, I know she is working closely with the Taoiseach’s office, the HSE and with staff representatives to monitor the position to ensure existing supports make an impact as extended but also to consider the further long-term responses that may be possible for those who are affected and that those who remain unable to return to work continue to have access to the full range of entitlements available to them and not just the public service sick leave scheme including paid sick leave, the temporary rehabilitation remuneration and, where criteria are met, the critical illness protocol. Discretion does need to be given to the HSE. I welcome the Taoiseach’s intervention in that regard.”
“Again, I wish to assure the Senator and the House that this issue continues to receive very careful and compassionate attention at the highest level of the Government. I welcome the Taoiseach’s engagement with the nursing unions.”
“This matter remains under consideration across the Government, including by the Department of Health, the HSE and the Department of Social Protection, with the Minister for Health and the Minister for Social Protection having met in recent weeks to discuss ongoing supports. They welcomed the progress to date, noting that a significant number of staff have been supported in returning to work, with others continuing to receive support through the public service sick leave scheme. It is important to note that we need to keep those who are feeling longer effects in our thoughts in this time and to acknowledge the enormous contribution and service they have given to the State.”
“In parallel, the health service continues to focus on supporting recovery and return to work, where possible, including through reasonable workplace accommodations and adjusted duties. The Minister is very conscious, however, that for some individuals their recovery has been slower and more uncertain than initially anticipated. In light of this, the Taoiseach met with health unions on Thursday, 30 April. Following that engagement, the Taoiseach asked the HSE to ensure that management discretion under the critical illness protocol is actively and compassionately applied in cases involving long Covid so that staff continue to be supported while the Government considers what further long-term measures may be appropriate.”
“It is important to be clear that the conclusion of that temporary scheme did not mean an end to supports. Staff who remained unfit to return to work moved seamlessly into the public service sick leave scheme, ensuring continuity of income protection and access to further supports. Since the conclusion of the scheme, a significant number of staff have returned to work, including on phased return arrangements, while others continue to be supported through the sick leave scheme and related provisions. Under the public service sick leave scheme, staff may access paid sick leave and, where appropriate, further supports, such as temporary rehabilitative remuneration and the critical illness protocol.”
“From the outset of the pandemic, exceptional measures were put in place to recognise the risks faced by healthcare staff, particularly during the period before effective personal protective equipment, PPE, vaccination and widespread community transmission were established. In that context, a temporary special scheme for long Covid was introduced in July 2022 for eligible public health sector workers. That scheme was unique to the health sector and has provided sustained support at full pay for almost five years through special leave with pay initially and then the special scheme itself. While the scheme was extended on several occasions at the request of the Minister for Health, the Labour Court ultimately recommended a final extension and the scheme concluded on 31 December 2025.”
“I thank the Senator for raising this important Commencement matter, which provides an important opportunity to again acknowledge the very real and ongoing impact of long Covid on a small number of healthcare workers. I am, as the Senator said, taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Health, Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, who is acutely aware that, while the acute phase of the pandemic has passed, its effects have not disappeared for everyone. Recent public discussion, including media reporting on the lived experience of people affected by long Covid, underlines the complex, unpredictable and at times debilitating nature of this condition. We cannot forget the enormous contribution of our healthcare workers who became ill while caring for the needs of others in extraordinary circumstances that continue to be deeply challenging.”
“We need to see sufficient staff who have fluent Irish to provide sufficient interpretation for set-piece events, but also to ensure that it can become a working language for many who want to continue in that regard. We need to look at recruitment and ensure that campaigns are focused on those areas within the Gaeltacht regions for people who would have an opportunity to provide that skill set to others. The broader point is that we hope the derogation as it stands is lifted. We will continue to engage with the Parliament on this matter.”
“I again thank Senator Mullen for raising this important issue and for his advocacy for the Irish language. I endeavour to use the Irish language whenever I can. When I visit the European Parliament or we have ministerial engagements in Brussels, I use it as much as I can, at the start and at the end. I acknowledge the commitment of all our MEPs on this issue. Cynthia Ní Mhurchú is one who continues to advocate for the Irish language and puts it front and centre, along with many others. I assure the Senator that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is working to progress this matter at European level. In response to his point, we need to see progress on this.”
“To conclude on a positive note, we continue to work alongside our MEPs to highlight this issue. The 2026 Presidency will be the first Irish Presidency since Irish became a fully operational working language of the European Union in January 2022. The Irish Presidency will demonstrate the Union's commitment to linguistic diversity by integrating Irish into Council business, official communications and cultural events.”
“Increasing the number of Irish interpreters across the EU institutions is a priority for the Government and forms part of wider efforts to increase the number of Irish officials in the EU as part of the strategy, A Career for EU. An extensive series of measures designed to increase the number of Irish language interpreters available to the EU institutions has been ongoing since 2018, including funding for additional third level courses and an internship programme for translators, proofreaders and conference translators within the European Union institutions. This has been achieved with the active support, including financial, of the EU. This issue is raised on a regular basis in the Parliament at both official and political level. We will continue to argue for the ending of the derogation and against any proposal to extend it beyond 2029.”
“The only documents which are guaranteed translation are legal Acts of general application. Despite this, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, which led on the promotion of the Irish language across all EU institutions, has confirmed that the European Parliament makes a very high percentage of its documentation available in Irish - 80% in both 2022 and 2023 and over 90% in 2024. While a relatively large number of documents is being translated into Irish, the problem primarily arises during committee sessions, where the Parliament continues to assert that there is an insufficient number of personnel to allow for live interpretation into and from the Irish language. I understand this is generally not an issue in plenary sessions.”
“In 2015, following a request from the Irish Government, the EU agreed to gradually bring the derogation arrangement to an end by 1 January 2022. At midnight on 31 December 2021, the Irish language was granted full official and working status in the European Union, meaning it was now on a par with all other official EU languages. However, on 12 March 2024, the European Parliament passed a derogation from this requirement, Rule 168, in the case of adequate precautions having been taken, interpreters or translators required for an official language are not available in sufficient numbers. The European Parliament determined that it has insufficient capacity to allow full interpretation service in Irish and Maltese and therefore extended Rule 168 to the end of the tenth parliamentary term in 2029 for these two languages.”
“I thank the Senator for raising this important question. I am taking this on behalf of the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Thomas Byrne. I will begin by outlining the background to this issue. Irish has been a treaty language since 1973, the year of Ireland's accession, meaning that only the EU treaties were translated into Irish. In 2005, after a long period of campaigning, the Irish Government applied for Irish to become an official and working language in the EU. It was granted this status two years later, in January 2007. However, due to a shortage of translation staff and technological resources, it was announced that there would be a limit to the amount of material provided in Irish compared to other European languages. This limit has been extended on a number of occasions.”
“We believe the position we take and the actions for which we advocate must be grounded in law and capable of being effectively implemented. Regrettably, for the reasons set out by the Minister, this has not been the case for this Private Members' Bill. While we have fundamental policy differences with the present Government of Israel and with the actions it is taking, we must be very clear that Ireland does not have, nor does it support, a policy of boycotting Israel or any sovereign state with which we have diplomatic relations. This Private Members' Bill would amount to a full economic boycott of Israel.”
“At the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on Monday, the Minister, Deputy McEntee, called on the Commission to bring forward proposals to prohibit trade with Israeli settlements, with a view to agreeing a decision at the next meeting of the council in June. At EU level, a ban on trade with settlements would have had a significant impact and been necessary to ensure that the EU was compliant with its obligations under international law, as clarified by the advisory opinion of the ICJ. The Government will continue to press for this step, working with like-minded partners in the EU. In parallel, the Government remains committed to progressing the Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories Bill of 2025. The Minister, Deputy McEntee, has set out the approach that the Government has taken in this regard.”
“This is a crucial step in response to the accelerating expansion of settlement activities and settler violence in the West Bank in an atmosphere of impunity. There is clear, growing support for additional measures at an EU level in response to Israel's persistent breaches of international law, and Ireland has called on the EU to suspend the EU-Israel associated agreements or, at the very least, to suspend the trade element of the agreement, as previously proposed by the Commission President in September 2025. The Government will continue to press for appropriate EU-level action in response to the egregious Israeli breaches of human rights and domestic principles. The viability of the two-state solution and the credibility of the EU is at stake if we do not act.”
“We have also welcomed the ICJ advisory opinion in October 2025, which automatically affirmed Israel's obligation under international law regarding the presence and activities of the UN under international organisations and third states in occupied Palestinian territories. We continue to urge Israel to immediately remove its restrictions on aid access and facilitate essential supplies and services into and throughout Gaza. We are seeing long-overdue momentum at European level following co-ordinated pressure by Ireland and other like-minded states. Ireland strongly welcomes political agreement at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting last Monday to proceed with sanctions against volitant settlers in the West Bank and organisations that enable them.”
“Ireland has been consistently vocal in calling for Israel to comply with its obligations under international law, and Ireland continues to pursue action through the international courts to address breaches of international law and international human rights in Palestine. We condemn Israel's illegal occupation of the occupied Palestinian territories. As Deputies are aware, in July 2024, the International Court of Justice delivered an advisory opinion on the legal consequences arising from the policies and practices of Israel in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem; a case in which Ireland made written and oral submissions. Ireland subsequently co-sponsored a resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly in September 2024 seeking to implement the court's advisory opinion.”
“I thank all the Deputies for their very sincere and heartfelt contributions to the debate on this very important and extremely complex issue. The strength of opinion and depth of feeling held across the House on the situation in Palestine is very clear and the Government fully acknowledges the desire to take action in response to persistent Israeli breaches of human rights and international law. The Government also understands the urge to do more, to move the dial and to bring an end to the terrible suffering of the people of Palestine, particularly those in Gaza. Respect for international law is at the core of Ireland's foreign policy.”
“That needs to be reflected on an individual basis. I know the response I have been provided with today does not meet the needs of the people the Deputy represents, and the area that requires investment in its critical infrastructure. I will relay that back to the Minister of State.”
“I agree with the sentiment of the challenges the Deputy has outlined with regard to progressing this important critical infrastructure for the community in Courtown and the volunteers who go above and beyond every day. I will take that back to the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, and his officials in the Department to further engage with the OPW with regard to the realisation of the existing premises. They can continue to future proof the needs of the local community. I will mention what the Deputy has referenced with regard to intensive engagement with the local community on its needs and the focus of progressing a sustainable solution into the long term that continues to meet the operational requirements and needs of the locality and complies with the current Coast Guard building strategy.”
“In this context it is appropriate that consideration be given to whether the existing premises can be secured but also enhanced on a longer-term basis rather than proceeding immediately to a more capital-intensive solution. The objective remains, which is to ensure that any solution delivered is sustainable, supports operational need and represents value for money for the Exchequer. This requires a balanced and evidence-based approach, taking account of local circumstances, available options and the wider Coast Guard infrastructure programme.”
“A new Coast Guard station was delivered in Westport and officially opened by the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, earlier this year, while construction of the new facility at Greystones has commenced and is on track for substantial completion in early 2027. A number of additional projects are also progressing nationally and are at various stages, including feasibility, site identification, design and delivery. In the case of Courtown, the current premises aligns with the strategic approach set out in the building strategy. The facility is meeting operational requirements and providing sustainable suitable accommodation for volunteers.”
“It represents a practical and functional solution which ensures continuity of service. The Irish Coast Guard building strategy, developed by the Department of Transport in collaboration with the Office of Public Works, was launched by the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, in November 2025. This provides a structured and consistent framework for the delivery of Coast Guard infrastructure nationally. The strategy sets out a clear approach to ensuring that all Coast Guard units operate from a safe, modern and fit-for-purpose facility, while also ensuring the public investment is managed in a responsible and proportional manner. Progress continues to be made across the wider Coast Guard building programme.”
“I thank Deputy Byrne for continuing his advocacy in regard to the delivery of the Courtown Coast Guard station. I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy Canney. The Courtown Coast Guard unit provides an important and valued service along a busy section of coastline, supporting maritime safety and search and rescue operations in the area. The unit is staffed by a dedicated group of volunteers who continue to deliver a coastal response and unmanned aerial system capability. Their contribution to the local community and maritime users is widely recognised. The Courtown unit operates from a parish-owned premises under a license agreement. This facility provides suitable welfare for operational accommodation and support, supporting the unit effectively in carrying out its duties.”
“It is really important that nothing is delayed. The steps agreed to date need to be worked through in the period ahead, and things put in place in the summer period leading into the next academic year, because without certainty people build up frustration and anxiety. Deputy O'Connor has worked very collaboratively with the patron, the Department of education and school management. The overall community will benefit from this. It is an investment in the community and not only in the campus itself. Having additional playing pitches and space for an area that has seen a rapid increase in population is very beneficial. I thank Deputy O'Connor for his work on this.”
“I thank the Deputy. It is positive to give some good news when we are taking Topical Issues. This is important for the 2,400 pupils attending the school without access to green space. It is positive that they have identified and agreed the availability of the green areas both the 1.9 acres to the north and the attenuation area to the south that will become now an informal recreation area. To the Deputy's point, it is important that the lease agreements are agreed, that the licences are put in place and he can work with the schools patronage and management on any sports capital projects that might accelerate the development of these playing pitches and, indeed, future-proof the campus at Carrigtwohill for the students and the staff and ensure further enhancement of the external playing space available on the campus.”
“The Department of Education and Youth has had positive and productive engagement with the three schools and their patrons throughout all stages of this project and will continue to support the schools on the new school campus.”
“Once received, Department officials will further review the proposed scope of work and costs, along with the programme timeline for completion of the access and entrance way to the southern green area. Department officials will update the schools and patron bodies upon completion of that review. In addition, the Department has agreed that the area of 1.9 acres to the north of the campus in the Department's ownership, to which the Deputy referred, can be used as a recreation area by the schools on a licence basis. Officials from the Department are in contact with the relevant stakeholders to progress this. Should the land be required to support school place expansion in the future, its use as a recreation area will cease.”
“As the Deputy outlined, the area in question is not suitable for use as a formal playing pitch, as it is required as an attenuation basin for flood management. However, the Department is pleased to support the schools' access to the green area as an informal recreation space. Planning permission was granted by Cork County Council for an entrance and access way to this green area, as a stand-alone planning application. The scope of works and associated costs to provide the entrance and access way has recently been reviewed by the Department. The Department's programme manager has been requested to carry out a further due diligence review to establish a more cost-effective option to deliver the access way to the green area south of the campus buildings.”
“It includes two 24-classroom primary schools for Carrigtwohill Community National School and Scoil Mhuire Naofa and accommodation, including 14 classrooms across the three projects, for children with special education needs. The project also delivered three general purpose areas, a PE hall in the post-primary school and 13 ball courts in total. The schools on the campus have sought to use a green area, which forms part of the site, for recreation purposes. As someone with a sporting background, I can see how important the provision of green playing areas is for school activities and to ensure children get the best experience at the earliest stage possible. Being a keen sporting supporter, the Deputy will really work with the local public representatives but also with the Department in trying to formulate a solution to the problem.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this matter, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Naughton, regarding the provision of sports facilities at the Carrigtwohill school campus in east Cork. Indeed, it is not the first time Deputy O'Connor has raised this matter in the Dáil. The Minister, Deputy Naughton, is aware of this issue and she recently met with Scoil Mhuire Naofa and local representatives on the matter. I am sure the Deputy is aware of that. As the Deputy said, the Carrigtwohill school campus project is the largest single school building project ever undertaken by the Department, to serve some 2,400 pupils. The project was completed in Q4 of 2023 under the Department’s design and build programme.”
“The Minister, Deputy O'Donovan, and I will work with the Deputy on the specific black spot areas she has raised here today.”
“This shows availability, allowing people, especially those with an eircode, to check. We want to ensure that the information checker reflects the lived reality in the network operator areas. If you cannot work from home because you do not have adequate connectivity, that is a problem and something we want to fix. We want to work with private operators to do that. We want to hold them to account, especially those that are currently providing services, and ensure that they are upgrading those services. We are working on measures to make the process of accessing existing infrastructure easier, ensuring that new housing developments are designed and facilitated with telecommunications connectivity to address any potential gigabit service challenges. We need to continue to hold private operators to account in regard to their current licences.”
“Regarding the Deputy's constituents and residents who have raised concerns with her, and anyone living in non-intervention areas or areas that are served by commercial operators - the likes of Open Eir, SIRO and Virgin Media - if they cannot get access to greater than 30 Mbps of broadband service after contacting their retail service providers, they should raise queries with the Department through its website under "Contact Us". There is a section within the national broadband plan. It is important that we escalate this issue to commercial operators. It is important that people have a service, that issues be investigated and that their services be upgraded to meet their level of need. Indeed, the Commission for Communications Regulation provides an online broadband checker on its website.”
“Analysis by the Department will continue to provide avenues to address and optimise policy in regard to other areas where black spots need connections.”