Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 462: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the contractual arrangements which have been put in place to deliver broadband to national schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13412/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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In conjunction with my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, I announced the results of the competitive tender process which had been initiated in August 2004 for the provision of broadband services and routers to all recognised primary and post-primary schools. This initiative is being jointly undertaken with the telecommunications industry on foot of the establishment of a three year €18 million joint Government-IBEC telecommunications and Internet federation fund. Six companies were selected for the provision of access connectivity with another company selected for the provision of routers. Contracts have been finalised and signed with three companies while my Department is finalising the contract negotiations with the remaining companies. The roll-out of broadband connectivity will commence in May and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.