Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 464: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which broadband is available to primary and second level schools throughout the country; if a recent sat lynx dispute in this regard has been resolved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13429/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The NCTE is undertaking a new ICT school census next month as the only statistical information is three years old. In any event, the position regarding broadband is that my Department, together with the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources is engaged in a joint initiative with IBEC Telecommunications and Internet Federation to provide broadband connectivity 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 TIF fund. The results of the competitive tender process were announced earlier this year, with six companies being selected for the provision of access connectivity and another company selected for the provision of routers to schools. Contracts have been signed with three companies while my Department is finalising the contract negotiations with the remaining companies.

I am aware that difficulties have arisen between one of the successful companies involved in the schools broadband project and Satlynx, which have attracted some media attention. My Department has discussed the matter with the company involved and has been assured that the difficulties, which it is understood have since been resolved, do not impinge on the schools broadband project.