Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 246: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the new generation network broadband pilot programme will be extended to the mid-west region; if funding will be provided to Shannon Development to develop this programme; if towns in County Clare will be included in the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28787/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The provision of telecommunications services, including next generation broadband is a matter for the private sector operating in a liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).

My Department is currently drafting a policy paper on Next Generation Networks (NGNs). The paper will consider the extent and impact of Government investment in broadband infrastructure to date and review current communications infrastructure policy. It will also analyse policy options in relation to the optimum role for Government in encouraging and facilitating the planning and roll out of next generation broadband including how existing Government owned infrastructure and possible future Government investment could help achieve national policy objectives in this area. In this context it is premature to state whether particular towns or regions will be affected by any such potential investment.