Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 71: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he expects high quality high speed broadband availability in all areas here without exception; the action he has taken or plans to take to achieve this objective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35562/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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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. There are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services. In order to address this issue the procurement process for a National Broadband Scheme (NBS) is currently under way. The NBS will provide broadband services to areas that are currently unserved and will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband in unserved areas are met.

The procurement process is being undertaken pursuant to the European Communities (Award of Public Authorities' Contracts) Regulations 2006 using a competitive dialogue procurement process.

The first phase of the procurement process Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) is now complete and four candidates have pre-qualified to enter the next phase of the procurement process. As my Department indicated on 2 September 2007, the four candidates are, in alphabetical order, BT Communications Ireland Ltd Consortium, eircom Ltd, Hutchinson 3G Ireland Ltd and IFA/Motorola Consortium.

The Department has invited these remaining candidates to participate in the "Competitive Dialogue" phase of the procurement process and to present their proposed solutions to meet the Department's requirements for the delivery of broadband to the unserved areas of the country. It is anticipated that a preferred bidder will be selected and appointed in June 2008.

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 73: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a national advisory forum of telecoms experts has been set up; if he will provide an overview of that forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35615/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 107 together.

In response to recent industry announcements, and developments internationally, my Department is preparing a draft policy paper that will review current communications infrastructure policy and analyse policy options in light of industry developments, in relation to the optimum role for the Government in the planning and rollout of next generation broadband.

I intend to establish a National Advisory Forum of experts early next year to critically evaluate policy options contained in the draft paper. Details relating to the timing for the Forum and the time frame for publication of its recommendations are still to be finalised. Following review by the Forum, I plan to publish the paper in the first part of next year and I will welcome views on it.