Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 1449: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on making Tipperary town a wireless Internet hot-spot, in order to boost the communications infrastructure. [1790/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. The role of the Government is to formulate regulatory and infrastructure policies to facilitate the provision of high quality telecommunications services, by competing private sector service providers.

I welcome the roll out of all electronic communication infrastructure by service providers, which increases competition in the market. Increased competition gives rise to better quality services, increased choice and more competitive prices, all of which are good for the Irish consumer. I would also welcome the development of wireless connectivity in Tipperary town within this evolving competitive national market.