Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 77: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has examined the recent Central Statistics Office statistics on the information society and telecommunications 2005, which indicates that just 16% of Internet-enabled households have broadband compared to the EU average of 48%; if his consultation process on increasing broadband demand has concluded; the measures he intends to introduce to increase broadband demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13630/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

By the end of 2005 there were more than 270,000 broadband subscribers in Ireland. This is a 106% increase from the figure of 131,500 at the end of 2004 and is equivalent of 19% of households. The Department keeps a number of issues, both supply and demand, under constant review. Earlier this year, the Department initiated a consultation process to examine the level of demand for broadband services in the Irish market, which concluded in March. The discussion document touched on key demand factors for consumers and asked for possible examples of demand measures by Government and industry, if any are necessary. More than 100 responses were received from diverse groups such as political parties, Internet service providers, regional development agencies, regulators, pressure groups and interested citizens. A wide range of issues was raised, which are being examined by officials in the Department for further action.