Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 154: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason the delivery of broadband services here has not kept pace with original projections; his plans to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2034/06]

Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 155: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the measures he intends to bring forward to remedy the ongoing broadband deficit in view of the fact that ComReg's third quarterly report for 2005 indicated that there is a total broadband penetration rate of 4.3% across all sectors and the dismal figures for broadband take-up from the recent reports from Irish chambers of commerce and the world knowledge competitiveness index; if a new and increased target will be set for broadband connections here for 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2115/06]

Gerard Murphy (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 167: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his targets in respect of the provision of broadband or other high speed electronic technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1975/06]

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 176: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason broadband availability here has failed to keep pace with European trends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2038/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 154, 155, 167 and 176 together.

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 independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.

The principal reason for the slow roll-out of broadband services generally has been the slower rate of investment by the private sector in the necessary infrastructure to deliver broadband to all areas. The Government is addressing the local infrastructure deficit by building high-speed open access metropolitan area networks, MANs, in 120 towns and cities nationwide, on a phased basis in association with the local and regional authorities. Phase one of this programme has delivered fibre optic networks to 27 towns and cities throughout the country, which were built on time and under budget.

This programme has been extended to a further 90 towns in various locations nationwide. Design and procurement has already commenced in several regions and construction is due to start early in 2006. It is expected that these MANs will be completed during 2006 and 2007. These metropolitan area networks will allow the private sector to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs.

My Department also offers funding assistance for smaller towns and rural communities to become self-sufficient in broadband through the county and group broadband scheme. The scheme is technology-neutral, allowing the community to select the most suitable broadband delivery platform for the area, with each application being assessed by the Department's technical advisers. To date, more than 150 projects have been approved for funding under this programme.

A joint industry-Government fund of €18 million has been established for the broadband for schools programme, which will provide every school with broadband by the beginning of 2006. This is a crucial strand in the strategy of integrating ICT into teaching and learning and the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources' wider vision of promoting the use of broadband technologies in local communities around the country. The construction-installation phase is now under way, and the project is on target for completion within the set timeframe.

The ranking of Ireland against other European countries reflects the late launch of competitive, affordable broadband by private broadband service providers in Ireland and a slow take-up by consumers.

However, Ireland's rating is improving. According to recent EU Internet statistics there are more than 2 million Internet users in Ireland. This represents user growth of 163% in the past four years and a market penetration per population of 51.2%, which compares favourably with the EU average of 48.9%. Irish broadband prices are now below the EU average and this should have the effect of further stimulating demand.

In late 2004 the Government set a target of 400,000 broadband subscribers to be achieved by the end of 2006. I have challenged the industry to strive for 500,000 subscribers by that stage. The Government's broadband target is to be within the top half of EU countries by the end of 2007.