Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 323: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the report by the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources into the issue of broadband availability here; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that this report represents a damning indictment of the entire broadband development plan; if he is satisfied that it indicates a worsening situation in terms of availability and keeping pace with other European countries; if he proposes to take steps to address the issue raised therein in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7091/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The report to which the Deputy refers is not yet published. However, I understand that the draft report makes several recommendations covering a wide range of issues. My officials will examine the detailed recommendations of the report upon publication. The development and roll-out of broadband technology is primarily a matter for the industry itself in a liberalised market.

In comparison to other European states, broadband providers in Ireland were slow in launching competitive, affordable broadband. The lack of competition between providers and the reduction in investment in the aftermath of the dot-com crash weakened the initial roll-out by providers here. However, the situation is improving rapidly and the current level of take up is consistent with the stage of development of the market.

The latest quarterly data report from ComReg on broadband delivery rates indicate that broadband subscriptions have grown by 19% to 208,000 as of September 2005. The proportion of broadband subscriptions delivered over access platforms other than DSL has increased in the past 12 months. The estimated end December 2005 figure for broadband subscribers is 250,000 according to the regulator.

The regional broadband programme launched by the Government in November 2003 is tackling supply side issues and was a direct response to the lack of investment by the private sector. The Government is addressing the infrastructure deficit in the regions by building high speed, open access metropolitan area networks in 120 towns and cities nationwide on a phased basis and in association with the local and regional authorities. Phase one of this programme has delivered fibre optic networks to 27 towns and cities on time and under budget. This programme has been extended to more than 90 towns nationwide. These metropolitan area networks will allow the private sector to offer worldclass 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. To date, over 150 projects have been approved for funding. A joint industry and Government fund of €18 million has been established for the broadband for schools programme, which will provide every school in the country with broadband during 2006.

The Deputy will be aware that the broadband demand report, which recently issued on my Department's website, is a consultation report. I encourage all interested parties to read the demand report and to make submissions before the closing date of 1 March 2006.