Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 424: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the action he has taken or proposes to take to expedite the provision of high speed state of the art broadband throughout the entire country with particular reference to the needs of industry, the health services, education and the import/export sectors; if his attention has been drawn to the serious deficiencies in the quality and efficiency of services here as compared with those available internationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36005/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The provision of broadband services is, in the first instance, a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, (ComReg).

The widespread provision of broadband services continues to be a priority for the Government. In that regard my Department has undertaken initiatives to address the gaps in broadband coverage. These include investment in Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs).

These Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) are allowing the private sector service providers to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs. The networks offer towns opportunities to attract inward investment in advanced technology and knowledge based enterprises.

Twenty-seven MANs have been completed under Phase One and are currently being managed by ENet, the Management Services Entity.

Phase Two of the MANs Programme is currently underway. Networks have been completed in 21 towns to date and are under construction in a further 45 towns.

The National Broadband Scheme which will be implemented next year will provide broadband coverage to those areas of the country that are currently unserved and will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband in unserved areas are met.

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.