Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 189: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he expects the Government's initial target for the provision of broadband to be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13859/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The provision of telecommunications services and the development and roll-out of telecommunications technology is primarily a matter for the industry itself. The telecoms market is fully liberalised and regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, which is independent in the exercise of its functions, in accordance with the provisions of the Communications Regulations Act 2002.

In comparison to other European counties, private broadband service providers in Ireland were relatively slow in launching competitive, affordable broadband. However, the situation is improving rapidly. In late 2004, the Government set a target of 400,000 broadband subscribers to be achieved by the end of 2006, that is almost 10% of population or 27% of households. The Minister's challenge to the industry is 500,000 broadband subscribers by the end of 2006, which is approximately 12% of the population or 34% of households.

The latest ComReg quarterly report states that there are 270,700 broadband subscribers as of the end of 2005. This is equivalent to 6.6% of the population. Almost 140,000 new broadband subscribers were added in 2005, a growth rate of 106%. This compares to 100,000 new broadband subscribers in 2004. The Minister is hopeful that the Government target can be met.