Minister for Communications Denis Naughten has challenged Opposition TDs to explain how they would fund a State national broadband plan.

The Minister recently announced the Government had opted to privatise the network on the grounds it would reduce the cost to the State by up to 70 per cent.

He asked in the Dáil what projects Fianna Fail and Sinn Féin were prepared to forgo in pursuing a State owned model.

"From which projects will you cut €600 million ?,'' he added. "Do we close long stay homes for older people that are not up to HIQA standards ?''

Independent Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath moved a Rural Independent Alliance Private Member's motion calling on the Government to ensure every premises, school and business in Ireland had access to high speed broadband.

Mr McGrath said it was a matter of parity of esteem, fairness and equity. He called on the Minister to ensure services provided by the telecom sector could be delivered in rural Ireland.

“One of the main factors people coming here to take up jobs, or those wanting to advertise jobs, take into account is broadband provision,’’ Mr McGrath added.

Earlier, Labour leader Brendan Howlin had sought an explanation of the rationale leading the Government to approve a gap-funded model for delivering broadband. "This will entail a 26-year contract with private providers, at the end of which the networks will be privately owned,'' he added.

Mr Naughten said he was amazed to hear Mr Howlin extolling the virtues of public ownership.

"As a member of the last Government he could have made a decision on ownership last December if he was so keen on the full concession model,'' Mr Naughten added. "I must also note that he consented to the privatisation of almost 300 Coillte telecommunications masts last year.''