Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 52: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of bodies or agencies with whom his Department, consultants, advisers or public relation specialists have had discussions in regard to the provision of broadband services throughout the country; the nature or outcome of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14537/05]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 69: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of bodies, agents or agencies with whom he or agencies under his aegis have had discussions regarding the future provision of telecommunication services, such as broadband; the outcome of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14517/05]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 95: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which he has received representations from business and educational interests requesting urgent provision of broadband services; his plans to accede to these requests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14541/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 166: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of bodies, agents or agencies with whom he or agencies under his aegis have had discussions regarding the future provision of telecommunication services, such as broadband; the outcome of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14747/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 180: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of bodies or agencies with whom his Department, consultants, advisers or public relations specialists have had discussions in regard to the provision of broadband services throughout the country; the nature or outcome of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14766/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 184: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which he has received representations from business and educational interests requesting urgent provision of broadband services; his plans to accede to these requests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14770/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 52, 69, 95, 166, 180 and 184 together.

The provision of broadband facilities is a matter in the first instance for the private sector telecommunications companies operating in a fully liberalised market. A number of factors determine where and when broadband services are offered in any area, including the potential number of customers, the level of investment required and so forth. My Department's regional broadband programme is addressing the infrastructure deficit, in co-operation with the local and regional authorities. The programme is building high speed open access broadband networks in almost 120 cities and towns that will be used by the private sector companies to offer services at competitive prices.

My Department is in close contact with the local and regional authorities, in association with whom the regional broadband programme is rolling out metropolitan area networks in 120 towns and cities. An indicative €200 million is being made available from Government and ERDF funds under the national development plan for the development of suitable broadband infrastructure that will enable the provision of services in all areas by the private sector. Close and continuous contact is also maintained with the telecommunications sector, through the Telecommunications and Internet Federation, the Alternative Licensed Telecoms Operators, ALTO, and with individual service providers, regarding broadband developments. My Department and I also work closely with regional development agencies, relevant Government Departments, chambers of commerce and other sectoral interests.