Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 226: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he expects 100% broadband availability throughout the country; the expected means by which this is to be achieved; the timescale for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33675/06]

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.

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.

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.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 227: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress in regard to the provision of digital television throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33676/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 67 of 19th October 2006.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 228: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has identified location throughout the country which do not have telephone, broadband or similar services; his plans to address these deficiencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33677/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 86 of 19 October 2006.