Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 225: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason broadband is not available in the Finney, Seanafannaghaun and Kilbride areas of Tourmakeady, County Mayo; when same will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10619/07]

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.

The facilitation of broadband coverage across the entire country continues to be a key priority. I am aware that, despite Government and private investment in broadband, there are areas of the country where the private sector is unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband connectivity. Accordingly, I have recently announced a new scheme, the National Broadband Scheme (NDP), which will aim to provide a broadband service to these areas. This scheme will be confined to areas of the country that are not yet served by any broadband service provider, currently thought to be 10-15% of the population. This scheme should, when it is fully rolled out, ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband from houses and premises in areas currently unserved by broadband are met, including rural areas.

A Steering Group comprising officials from my Department and ComReg is currently considering all elements of the proposed National Broadband Scheme and work on the design of an appropriate tender is under way.