Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 20 together.

The provision of broadband services is, in the first instance, a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. The role of the Government is to formulate regulatory and infrastructure policies to facilitate the provision of high quality telecommunications services by competing private sector service providers.

The widespread provision of broadband services continues to be a priority for the Government. In that regard the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has undertaken initiatives to address the gaps in broadband coverage. These included providing grant aid under the group broadband scheme and ongoing investment in metropolitan area networks.

Although broadband is now widely available, there are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services. These areas are being addressed by the national broadband scheme, NBS, which will provide broadband services to areas currently not served and will ensure all reasonable requests for broadband are met.

The first phase of the NBS procurement process, the pre-qualification questionnaire, is now complete. Four candidates pre-qualified to enter the next phase of the procurement process. Following the withdrawal of the IFA-Motorola consortium as a candidate, the remaining three candidates commenced competitive dialogue with the Department and are developing their proposed solutions to meet the Department's requirements for the delivery of broadband to the unserved areas of the country.

The Department recently received notice of judicial review proceedings regarding certain elements of the NBS mapping process. These proceedings are before the Commercial Court and due for hearing on 10 and 11 June 2008. A speedy conclusion of the matter has been requested to advance the NBS as quickly as possible. It is anticipated that a preferred bidder will be selected in August 2008, with the roll-out to commence as soon as possible thereafter.

Up to €970,000 will be distributed by Pobal this year to support ICT initiatives aimed at disadvantaged communities. Almost 1,500 public access Internet PCs are available in public libraries across the country. I welcome the roll-out of all electronic communication infrastructure by service providers, which increases competition in the market. Increased competition gives rise to better quality services, increased choice and more competitive prices, all of which enhance connectivity for the consumer.

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