Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 139: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the studies which have been carried out with a view to meeting the telecommunications requirements of the residents of the Black Valley, County Kerry, and other residents similarly affected here; if a determination has been made in respect of the most suitable technology in such circumstances; if suitable available funding has been identified with particular reference to public service obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6648/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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This is an operational issue for the service provider concerned. Responsibility for the regulation of electronic communication service providers rests with the independent regulator, the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, in accordance with the requirements of the Communications Regulation Act 2002 and the regulations, which transpose the EU regulatory framework for electronic communications. I have no function in the matter.

Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 140: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the fact that the Commission for Communications Regulations most recent trends report recorded that home Internet penetration was static at 37% and that the EUROSTAT broadband survey has claimed Ireland has a broadband penetration of only 1.7%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6698/06]

Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 341: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources what is creating the difficulty in the roll out of broadband here in view of the EUROSTAT broadband survey, which found Ireland's broadband penetration to be a mere 1.7 %. [6791/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 140 and 341 together.

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 dotcom 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 rate of broadband uptake is dependent on a combination of factors including access by the providers to suitable infrastructure, competition between providers and demand conditions in the economy. Since 2004, broadband subscriber numbers have more than doubled and the current take-up is in the region of 10,000 per month. ComReg figures to end December 2005 are estimated at 250,000.

Another barrier to the delivery of broadband services is the slow pace of local loop unbundling, LLU. Responsibility for LLU is a matter for ComReg. I have no powers to issue instructions to service providers in this matter.

The Deputy will be aware of the broadband demand report which recently issued on my Departments website. This consultation document is an opportunity to assess the demand side, of the broadband market in Ireland. It reviews the level of demand in the market; key demand factors for consumers, and lists possible examples of demand measures including measures to increase PC ownership that could be introduced by Government and industry if they are necessary.

I encourage all interested parties to read the report and invite them to make submissions before the closing date of 1 March 2006.