Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

Under the second phase of the metropolitan area networks programme, 92 towns were targeted for investment in high-speed open access fibre optic networks. To date, MANs are either completed or under construction in 63 towns and a further 29 networks are in the detailed design phase. In conjunction with other next generation networks, MANs will play a key role in the delivery of high-speed broadband services for decades to come.

MANs operate on an open access basis. Eircom has the same entitlement to use the MANs as any other operator. Eircom has submitted a paper to me addressing a number of issues related to the future provision of broadband, including a suggested structural separation of the company into network and retail arms. My Department has met Eircom to clarify issues raised in its paper and will engage with it again in due course.

The reallocation in 2007 of unspent funding due to timing purposes from the national broadband scheme has not given rise to any shortfall of funding for the Exchequer funded broadband programme. The 2008 Exchequer provision for broadband will be revealed in budget 2008 on 5 December.

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