Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 109: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the extent to which the Internet and the mobile telephone system are being used to promote gambling to the detriment of young people and families; if he intends to issue any instructions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8516/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have no function in the matter raised by the Deputy.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 111: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the policy directives he has given to the communications regulator in regard to targets relating to the provision of broadband services throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8518/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In March 2004, my predecessor, Deputy Dermot Ahern, under section 13 of the Communications Regulation Act 2002, issued policy directions to the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, including one on broadband. This direction required ComReg to use regulatory and enforcement tools, where necessary and subject to relevant requirements under European and national law, to support initiatives to develop broadband and remove regulatory barriers, if any exist, to such initiatives. ComReg was required to have a particular focus on the residential and SME sectors, balanced regional development and potential for broadband provision on alternative platforms. The goal set for ComReg was to be at, or better than, the EU-15 average, excluding accession countries, for end user access to, and usage of, broadband by mid-2005.

In its latest report on the policy directions, ComReg has reported that there were more than 114,000 DSL customers as of December 2004, an increase of over 50% in the previous three months. There are, in addition, around 16,000 other broadband connections provided through a mixture of wireless and leased line applications.

While the primary technology deployed here, DSL, which incidentally is that in use generally across Europe, will not be available to 100% of the population, other technologies, such as fixed wireless access and satellite, will extend the coverage. Overall, levels for coverage of broadband now exceed 75% and are in line with the European average as outlined in the March 2004 policy direction.

The acceleration of local loop unbundling should also stimulate improved broadband offerings. In addition, initiatives by the operators to supply broadband are being supplemented by a range of Government initiatives, including metropolitan area networks, MANs, schools broadband and community broadband. ComReg is working closely with the appropriate parties on all of these initiatives.