Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 24: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the review of the cost effectiveness and performance of the MANs; when he will decide on the progression of a further phase of the MANs; the amount a further phase of the MANs will cost; if the Government will sell the MANs to Eircom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28966/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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My Department is continuing to undertake a Value for Money and Policy Review on Phase I of the Metropolitan Area Networks Programme. The review is being carried out in close cooperation with the Department of Finance. This Review, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2007, along with other policy analyses being undertaken, will help to inform my decisions on future investment in broadband infrastructure.

The open access, high speed, fibre optic Metropolitan Area Networks continue to play a vital role in facilitating and encouraging competition and innovation in regional telecommunications markets and I have no plans to sell them or to change the existing open access, carrier neutral model of the Metropolitan Area Networks programme. The positive impact of competition, in terms of consumer choice, quality and price of services, is significant.