Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 244: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will make a statement on further discussions he has held with Eircom, e-net, BT or other telecom providers in relation to the full broadband enablement of all parts of Ireland; if and when he will introduce a tendering process for this project; and the anticipated cost to the Exchequer. [43434/06]

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. There are many areas of the country where for demographic or other reasons the private sector has been slow to respond to demand for broadband. In cases where the market is seen to have failed, my Department is addressing the investment shortfall in infrastructure using a combination of Government and ERDF funding through the Regional Broadband 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 by a Steering Group comprising officials from my Department and representatives from ComReg. The Steering Group has met with representatives from the various technology platforms through which a service can be delivered. I expect to finalise proposals shortly.