Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

The 28 month tendered bid was for a total of €399,000 and for the various stages of that right through to the end of the scheme. The Minister asked whether we can be certain there will be no planning delays. One cannot be certain. This is a very complex project all over the country. Masts have to be put up involving very significant, complex backhaul works involving new technology. No doubt there will be difficulties on the route to delivering it but Hutchison 3G is very confident and there are conditions set in the contract that it will meet the targets, the 48% of areas being covered by December this year and full coverage being rolled out at the end of September 2010. Part of the task in my Department and with the consultants we have working is to keep a continuous eye on that and ensure difficulties are overcome and targets are met.

The technology is working in the areas where it has been rolled out, initially tentatively in a small number of areas. In the technical analysis of the speeds in the areas, the contention is that this technology is working. It is leading edge in terms of mobile broadband technology but it is proving to be very robust. Some of the innovations and technologies within it, such as the receiver one would have in one's home to pick up the signal and apply it in the home, are proving very robust. The latest technology is being deployed, it is working and our key attention within the Department and with our consultants is to ensure it is deployed effectively across the country.

We are examining ways we can get to those remaining customers who for a number of different reasons are in areas which do not come under either the national broadband scheme or alternative coverage and how we can plug that gap. I welcome and appreciate Deputy McManus's comments on the improvement in e-readiness around the country. The Deputy is correct that the Government must work further on this. I am very confident that the work being done by CMOD in developing the Government's use of broadband technologies and improving our services will bring us further up the international table.

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