Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 383: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 148 of 9 November 2006, the options being considered to ensure full connectivity of broadband, telephone and mobile phone services to those parts of the country, such as the Black Valley, County Kerry which do not have access to a reliable and quality service; the groups, bodies, agencies or individuals with whom he is having discussions; when he expects to reach a conclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38902/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, telephone and mobile phone services is a matter in the first instance, for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), the independent regulator.

As regards the deployment of broadband infrastructure, 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.

Despite private and public investment in broadband infrastructure 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 these gaps in broadband coverage are currently being considered by a Steering Group comprising officials from my Department and representatives from ComReg. My aim is to see a situation where every reasonable request for broadband will be met at a reasonable price. I expect to finalise my proposals shortly.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 384: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he expects all telephone exchanges and cable networks to be broadband enabled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38904/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I have no function in these matters.