Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

The events since privatisation in 1999 have been unsatisfactory. The change of ownership of Eircom on a regular basis and the lack of investment, particularly between 2002 and 2004, are the reasons we are playing catch-up. It was the failure then to invest in broadband that put us down the league table. I said at the time that this was a bad business mistake because broadband will deliver key services in society.

The State plays a role and will continue to do so with the NBS. When the market claims it does not have a commercial case for providing broadband services in certain areas, the State will provide them through the NBS. That is the State funding the roll-out of broadband through private providers.

The State has other roles in, for example, the management of the wireless spectrum. It is now a key component in the delivery of a range of mobile broadband services. This asset, I believe, should be used in an innovative and flexible way to promote the development of new services. That is an area where the State is involved.

The State is involved in the use of existing State assets to support broadband access. This is done through the metropolitan area networks and, for example, in Dublin through the QBCs. New QBCs are fitted with ducting to facilitate broadband development. The State has a key role in assisting the development of broadband services through the provision and delivery of health, social welfare, education and other services.

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