Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

I propose to issue a draft policy paper shortly on next generation broadband, NGB, which will set out the framework for Government policy and related proposed actions in this area. I will invite comments on the draft paper through an on-line consultation process. While I cannot indicate the detail of the paper at this juncture, it is my ambition for Ireland to have a NGB infrastructure that will underpin a transformation to a knowledge economy based on leading edge development and application of information communications technology, ICT. In the main, the private sector should build and finance NGB networks.

The role of Government is to ensure the legislation and regulatory regime is such as to promote competition and investment by the private sector in NGB. Direct Government investment in broadband infrastructure will be primarily targeted at supporting regional competitiveness and addressing digital divide issue. The role of Government investment is not to support one particular broadband technology or the investment proposals of any particular private sector investor. In addition to an on-line consultation process referred to above, I also propose to hold a one day forum to hear the views of all stakeholders on the overall framework and specific policy actions. My Department has been given the new responsibility of drawing up a new action plan on the information society. I envisage that the broadband policy paper and the subsequent consultation process will be an important input into this action plan.

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