Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 1016: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the Governments plans to ensure the availability of broadband in rural areas which have not been successful to date in obtaining broadband; if in this context he will take steps to investigate the relevant companies for the provision of broadband facilities in Milltownpass and the surrounding areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2366/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).

It continues to be a priority of the Government that there will be broadband coverage across the entire country. However, despite Government investment, I am aware that there are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband. I would like to see the roll-out of broadband to these remaining areas that cannot receive a commercially viable service. To that end, I recently announced my intention to introduce a scheme which will ensure that there is broadband coverage available throughout Ireland. It is intended that this scheme will be confined to areas of the country that are not yet served by any broadband service provider, currently thought to be 10-15% of the population. This scheme will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband from houses and premises in rural areas are met. A Steering Group comprising officials from my Department and ComReg is currently considering all elements of the proposed scheme and work on the design of an appropriate tender will commence in the coming weeks.

My Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie gives full details of broadband availability in all areas, including ADSL, cable, fibre, satellite and fixed wireless. The website also lists prices of the various service levels on offer and contact details for each service provider.