Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 65: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the results and conclusions reached by the recently formed international forum on next generation networks; and the way he will progress the issue to promote the roll-out of next generation broadband. [14995/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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My Department has prepared a draft policy paper on next generation broadband, NGB. It is intended that the paper will be finalised shortly and published for consultation. The paper will review current communications infrastructure policy and propose actions to promote the roll-out of NGB policy. In this context, it will address the optimum role for the Government in the planning and roll-out of next generation broadband.

In February 2008 I convened a meeting of the expert international advisory forum to examine the paper. The forum critiqued a draft of the NGB paper but its members supported the broad thrust of the document and have provided valuable feedback. They offered some additional recommendations and advice on the future trends of the telecommunications and ICT industries and proposed that certain suggestions be explored further. The draft paper is currently being updated to take account of the forum's contribution and to reflect interdepartmental consultation. This will be finished shortly and I intend to submit the paper to Government prior to publication. I am confident the published paper will set out a strong framework and accompanying actions to promote the roll-out of NGB. This will enable us to build on the excellent progress made recently in the roll-out of broadband generally.

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Despite the repeated references of the Minister and his Department to the growth in penetration of broadband based on last year's figures, the reality is that Ireland continues to lag behind most European countries. The lack of urgency on the issue, particularly in comparison to the urgency accorded to other energy policy issues, has fuelled concern and speculation that the Minister is neglecting this element of his brief while doing a good job in other areas.

Does the Minister agree that an international forum was established on 27 February to offer advice on next generation broadband? He said at the time that he expected a paper to be published within weeks. However, today — months later — he still expects the paper to be produced within weeks. On 9 April, in response to a parliamentary question I tabled, he claimed the paper would be ready shortly, yet we are still waiting for it. While we are waiting, the OECD has confirmed that Ireland is falling further behind other European countries on next generation broadband. Can the Minister indicate a clear timeframe as to when the paper will be published and the length of the subsequent consultation period? When will we see a Government action plan along the lines of the plan proposed by Fine Gael several weeks ago on Private Members' business?

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I do not under estimate the difficulties in this area. It is deeply frustrating that people cannot get broadband in parts of the country.

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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This is about next generation broadband, and bandwidth and speeds.

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I was answering Deputy Coveney's question. He made a point about what we say on the issue of broadband. I recognise we need to go further in terms of closing the gap and acknowledge that we need to improve in certain areas, but the reality is that dramatic increases have been made. We have the fastest growing broadband take-up of any country in the OECD and we are probably the leading country in respect of mobile broadband take-up.

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Minister is double counting.

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Both the difficulties and the opportunities should be recognised.

I am committed to this policy area and I am working around the clock to deliver on it, just as I am in any other area. I refute the suggestion that I am more interested in one area of my brief than in others. In fact, I see the clear connection in terms of delivering energy efficiency through digital technology. The development of next generation broadband is critical for a range of social and economic reasons.

In regard to the delay from 27 February, I intend publishing within a few weeks and no later than one month. However, I want to get it right and I was willing to spend time in the series of meetings we have held to discuss the feedback from the international advisory forum with the Departments of Finance, Education and Science and Transport, the State procurement agencies and other agencies involved in this area. That is one of the reasons for the slight delay. My intention is——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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If the Minister would give way, I will allow him to conclude his comments after a brief supplementary question from Deputy Coveney.

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Can the Minister tell us when the national industry steering group on next generation broadband access last met, given that it was set up by his Department to promote policy in this area?

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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One of the developments in this area was the presentation of a report by the Telecommunication and Internet Federation which has agreed broad principles from its perspective on where we need to go.

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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When did the steering group last meet?

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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That report was welcome for the crucial principles it agreed on the open access nature of broadband development.

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Was it six months ago?

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I intend to publish this document and then hold a one-day forum at which industry players, users of broadband and other Departments can discuss how to develop next generation broadband. The paper will set out specific actions which the State can take but it is not only about the State. The level of private sector investment is far more significant than anything coming from the State and is the key driver of progress in this area.

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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When did the steering group last meet?

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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As I pointed out to the Deputy earlier today in the Select Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, the international advisory forum was the main source of advice for this paper, not the steering group. However, I intend to open the paper to full consultation with the industry, users and other interested bodies to commence a process of evolving policy decisions.