Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 97: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the low level of broadband availability in many towns here. [20681/06]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 130: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the estimated number of waiting applicants for broadband services throughout the country; his plans to ensure such requirements are met in early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20699/06]

Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 131: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he or his Department directly or through the Regulator will draw up an emergency plan for the rapid delivery of broadband and similar state of the art information technology service throughout the country and ensure that the customers can avail of the benefits of competition in the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20734/06]

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 140: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will make a statement regarding the lack of broadband roll-out around many towns here, which has contributed to job losses. [20679/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 97, 130, 131 and 140 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. I do not have access to figures for the number of waiting applicants for broadband services. My Department regularly reviews all aspects of the broadband market and holds discussions with the Regulator and relevant stakeholders. These discussions are ongoing and cover a range of issues relevant to broadband supply and demand nationally.

A principal reason for the slow rollout of broadband services generally has been the lack of investment by the private sector in the necessary infrastructure to deliver broadband to all areas. The Government in partnership with the Local Authorities is addressing the broadband infrastructure deficit in the regions by building high-speed, open-access Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) in 120 towns and cities nationwide. Phase One of this Programme has delivered fibre optic networks to 27 towns and cities throughout the country.

When designing the networks, the Local Authorities, in co-operation with the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and other relevant development agencies, take account of existing and proposed business parks and areas zoned for industrial development. The route of each MAN incorporates all these elements where economically and technically feasible. These networks are offering these towns opportunities to attract inward investment in advanced technology and knowledge based enterprises.

This Programme has been extended to over 90 towns in various locations nationwide. It is expected that these MANs will be completed during 2006 and 2007. These networks will contribute to balanced regional development and 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 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. To date, over 150 projects have been approved for funding under this Programme.