Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 April 2024
753. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total number of copper communication lines within his Department that are currently in active operation and for which his Department is paying for on a monthly basis, inclusive of ISDN, PTSN and copper-based lease lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18838/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department's communications infrastructure is provided and managed by the Department of Education as part of a shared service agreement. The Department of Education currently has 11 ISDN/PSTN lines and 42 DSL lines. The lines are predominantly in use by the Department's regional offices. The necessity for PSTN/ISDN and DSL technology is mainly due to the unavailability of fibre connections at that location. Additionally, these lines are required for FAX, franking machines and lift services. However, with the continuous expansion of fibre availability, the Department intends to transition as many lines as possible to fibre/SIP connections.
