Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 211: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to an EU EUROSTAT survey which placed Ireland third last of 19 countries in terms of broadband connectivity; his views on the survey findings; the way in which broadband speed compares with countries such as Sweden; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16987/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I have read the latest figures from EUROSTAT, which indicate that the level of Irish households with Internet access is 40%. The same EUROSTAT report shows that 32% of all enterprises have a broadband connection, 92% of enterprises have Internet access — the figure for large enterprises is 100% — and 27% of individuals regularly use the Internet.

The provision of broadband is a matter in the first instance for the fully liberalised private sector, but the level of investment by the sector has failed to keep pace with the demand for broadband. Although 3% of Irish households have a broadband connection today, that figure is rising rapidly as broadband connectivity becomes more widely available, mainly as a result of my Department's regional broadband programme which is rolling out high-speed infrastructure to all parts of the country. During the past year the number of broadband customers has risen from 32,000 to more than 140,000. I have set the industry a target of 500,000 customers by 2007 and I am confident that this can be achieved.