Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 380: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the most recent technology available for the communication systems; the benefits of the new technology over previous systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32945/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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There are a vast number of recent and continually developing technologies available for communication systems. These include, among others: wireless, fixed line, satellite and mobile technologies. In general, the benefit of such technology developments over previous systems is enhanced performance at reduced cost.

Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 381: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the level of infrastructure in place to ensure all regions will be able to benefit from the most up to date communication technology systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32946/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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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).

However, it has been clear for some time that the sector has failed to invest at the level necessary to keep pace with the demand for broadband. My Department's regional broadband programme is addressing the infrastructure deficit by building high-speed open access broadband networks, in association with the local and regional authorities, in the major towns and cities. These Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) will allow the private sector to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs. Twenty-seven MANs have been completed under the first phase and are currently being managed by ENet, the Management Services Entity. The second phase extends the programme to over 90 towns with a population of 1,500 and above that do not have a satisfactory broadband offering from the private sector.

For rural communities with populations under 1,500 and the hinterlands of larger towns, my Department offers funding under the Group Broadband Scheme (GBS) to enable them to become self-sufficient in broadband, in association with service providers. The scheme is technology-neutral, allowing the community to select the most suitable broadband delivery platform for the area. To date, over 160 projects have been approved for funding under this Programme.

A joint industry/Government fund of €18 million has been established for the Broadband for Schools Programme to resource the provision of high speed broadband connectivity to all primary and post primary schools in the country by end Autumn 2006, at no cost to the schools themselves. 95% of schools have broadband installed to date; the aim is to complete the outstanding schools as soon as possible. Despite Government investment in broadband in the regions through the regional broadband programme, there are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband connectivity. Options to address the gaps in broadband coverage are currently being considered.

Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 382: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the measures in place to protect vulnerable people from inappropriate transmission of material through modern technology and communication systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32947/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I take it that the Deputy is referring to the transmission of offensive material or images over mobile phones and the Internet. I have no function in this matter.