Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 577: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a response to correspondence (details supplied); if he will support the proposed funding mechanism outlined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35328/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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A Value for Money and Policy Review (VFMPR) of Phase I of the MANs Programme will be completed and published in January 2008. My Department is also preparing a draft policy paper on Next Generation Broadband Networks which will consider the optimum role for Government in facilitating the roll-out of high-speed broadband networks. I expect to publish the draft policy paper on Next Generation Broadband Networks for consultation early in the New Year.

In the circumstances, I consider it prudent that contracts for the construction of new MANs networks should not be signed until I have had an opportunity to consider and assess the implications of the value for money report and the outcome of the consultation on the Next Generation Broadband policy paper.

MANs that are under construction will proceed as planned. There are sixty-six Phase II MANs that are either recently completed or under construction.