Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 575: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that under his Department's group broadband scheme, an application was made by a group (details supplied) in north County Wexford to bring broadband to the Courtown area, that part of the process for funding was to prove that a market for broadband existed in the area, that the group did extensive research to obtain this proof, that their application was approved and that Eircom then introduced broadband to the area to the disadvantage of this group, which effectively did market research at its own expense for the benefit of Eircom, that this involved the sudden entry of Eircom into an area that had been ignored since the laying of the service line many years before immediately upon completion of the approved group's market research; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40165/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 576: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when details of phase three of the group broadband scheme will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40328/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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It is my intention to hold a third phase of the group broadband scheme. My officials are finalising the application procedure and documentation. I expect to be in a position to formally launch the third phase shortly.