Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 85: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he is satisfied that the availability of modern telecommunications services here is available or is likely to be made available in a cost competitive way similar to the costs applicable in other jurisdictions in Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20046/05]

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 108: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the number of service providers currently engaged in the provision of broadband services throughout the country is adequate to meet the targets he has set in respect of 2005 and 2006; if his attention has been drawn to any issue creating an obstacle to meeting such targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20050/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 216: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the number of service providers currently engaged in the provision of broadband services throughout the country is adequate to meet the targets he has set in respect of 2005 and 2006; if his attention has been drawn to any issue creating an obstacle to meeting such targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20349/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 85, 108 and 216 together.

Prices charged for broadband services vary, depending on bandwidth and other factors. My Department's website, www.broadband.gov.ie, lists the monthly subscription fees for 190 broadband service offerings, ranging from 0.128 Mbps to upwards of 56 Mbps. Twenty-five of those service offerings are priced at €35 per month or less, which is close to the EU average for such services.

The number of broadband customers in Ireland is now over 160,000, an increase of more than 400% since the beginning of 2004, while the Commission for Communications Regulations, ComReg, register of authorised undertakings currently lists 169 Internet service providers offering services in Ireland.

This is an indication of the vigorous growth in the broadband market here, which is being assisted in no small way by the investment of up to €200 million of Government and ERDF funding under the NDP in metropolitan area networks and other broadband infrastructure initiatives.

I have set the industry a target of 500,000 broadband customers by 2007, and I believe that target can be achieved.