Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 141: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has received any final communication or recommendation in the matter of the provision of the full range of telecommunication services including broadband to the various locations throughout the country including the Black Valley, County Kerry which currently do not enjoy such services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11448/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The provision of broadband and other telecommunications services is, in the first instance, an operational issue for the service providers concerned. Responsibility for the regulation of electronic communication service providers rests with the independent regulator, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), in accordance with the requirements of the Communications Regulation Act 2002 and the Regulations, which transpose the EU Regulatory Framework for Electronic Communications. Accordingly, I have no function in this matter.

However, despite Government and private investment in broadband I am aware that there are still some parts of the country where the private sector is unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband connectivity. A Steering Committee comprising officials from my Department and ComReg is currently finalising a proposed scheme, entitled the National Broadband Scheme, which will aim to provide broadband to these unserved areas. The Steering Committee has met with Service Providers and key stakeholders about this scheme. The scheme, when it is fully rolled out, will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband from houses and premises in unserved areas, including rural areas, are met. Work on the design of an appropriate public tender is underway. Indicative maps are being prepared to help inform the tendering process.