Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 1: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress the Government has made in rolling out next generation and high speed broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21645/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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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.

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister. He is two weeks shy of completing his first year in the job and many questions and grey areas remain regarding broadband provision. The public is looking for a clear policy direction. The forum on broadband met last February. Since then Deputy Coveney, the Fine Gael spokesperson in this area, has repeatedly asked when the forum will report and engage in consultation. The Minister said this will happen soon. When will the consultation process happen? His reference to an on-line consultation is ironic. Will a facility be provided for those who do not have access to computers or broadband to contribute to the debate, given many rural areas do not have access to broadband?

An issue arose earlier regarding the Taoiseach's comment that the national development plan is under review. Will the investment the Minister plans in ICT in schools proceed? There is complete confusion about this, as highlighted by my colleague, Deputy Brian Hayes, earlier. Will the Minister shed some light on that?

Have industry representative groups been consulted? If not, when will that happen? The Minister said a report would be published soon but he still has not specified when. It is important that the industry representative groups, which are key contributors to the broadband debate, be included. When he was in Opposition, the Minister was a strong advocate of the importance of NGN. I do not intend this as a political slight but his energies have been very much employed in the green sector and the broadband debate has been consigned to the position of bridesmaid within his portfolio. It is evident our position on NGN, next generation networking, is weak in a EU context. Will he take responsibility for this area? He has been in the position for almost a year but, as of yet, he has provided little direction.

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The development of broadband infrastructure and a new digital society is at the centre of the green agenda. It embodies many of the principles underpinning our political philosophy.

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Will the Minister answer the questions?

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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It helps us to reduce our emissions, to access information and do our work without having to travel. It provides open democratic access to information that was not previously available. It is at the very centre of my agenda and I have been, and will continue to be, an advocate for the development of digital technologies.

All domestic groups will be involved in the consultation document. I regret the delay in putting it out but I apologise to no one for trying to getting things right before doing so. I am confident my colleagues will recognise this as a crucial investment under the NDP. In the past year, broadband connections increased from 500,000 to 1 million and mobile broadband connections from zero to 120,000, while Ireland was the third fastest growing economy in the OECD in terms of broadband connection. I am happy we are progressing but we have a long way to go. I am happy to lead us there.