Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 190: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the discussions that have taken place in regard to the finding of a new anchor tenant for the Digital Hub; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11457/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 193: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if action has been taken to replace the anchor tenant at the Digital Hub; if the expenditure to date on the previous incumbent is recoupable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11460/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 190 and 193 together.

A consultation on the development of a new digital research entity in the Digital Hub was recently undertaken on behalf of my Department. The consultation focussed on a number of topics, including research type; research area; preferred management approach; partnership requirement; preferred tender process; level of institutional interest in the project; fit with existing academic priorities and plans; funding issues; definition of intellectual property model; and preferred approach to governance.

This consultation proposed that the new entity would undertake research in the general area of digital media, but that there would be greater focus on sustainable research and a more directive approach to research in a new business model. It also recommended better links to Irish universities, effective management and improved corporate governance, in accordance with general guidelines for State bodies. Based on the outcome of the consultation process, the Government will consider decisions regarding the shape of a new research entity and how an organisation or consortium to manage the facility could be selected.

Financing provided to Media Lab Europe by the Government was in line with contractual commitments entered into by the Government. While current expenditure allocations are not recoverable, the Government retains full ownership of the building in which the former facility was situated. It is my intention to make accommodation in this building available to the new entity, including the surplus of equipment, fixtures and fittings following the wind-up of the former tenant.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 191: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if availability of broadband here is comparable to its availability in other European jurisdictions; if his attention has been drawn to the need to accelerate the programme in order to protect the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11458/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 192: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the provision of broadband to date is in accord with the revised projections of his Department; when he expects provision to be made available throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11459/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 191 and 192 together.

The provision of telecommunications, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, as regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. The number of broadband customers is increasing rapidly and now stands at more than 140,000. For comparison, the January 2004 figure was 35,000.

The rate of uptake is dependent on access by the service providers to suitable infrastructure. However, the level of investment by the sector in high-speed broadband infrastructure has failed to keep pace with the demand for broadband. Therefore, my Department's regional broadband programme is addressing the infrastructure deficit, in co-operation with the local and regional authorities, by building high-speed open access metropolitan area networks, MANs, in 120 towns and cities nationwide using ERDF and Government funding under the National Development Plan 2000-2006.

The MANs programme is being rolled out on a phased basis and the 19 networks completed to date have come in on time and within budget. Work is under way on seven MANs and construction of a further 82 will commence during the next 12 months. Full details of the regional broadband programme can be found on my Department's website www.dcmnr.gov.ie.

For smaller towns and rural communities, my Department offers grant-aid of up to 55% of set-up costs to enable local groups to become self-sufficient in broadband, using the most suitable technology for their area. Under the broadband for schools project, every one of the 4,200 primary and post primary schools in the country will be provided with broadband by the end of this year.

According to the ComReg website, www.comreg.ie, there are over 45 different broadband offerings across a variety of technologies, including DSL, fibre, cable, leased lines and satellite technology. In essence, there are broadband technologies that can deliver broadband to any broadband consumer in Ireland. I have set the industry a target of 500,000 broadband customers by the end of 2006. The Government's broadband target is to be within the top half of EU countries by the end of 2007. That means a market penetration of around 14% of the overall population, which I believe is within reach.