Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 106: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he envisages that County Kerry will have full broadband access. [10393/08]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 125: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he is taking to provide broadband access outside the main urban centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7471/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 125 together.

The provision of broadband services is, in the first instance, a matter for private sector service providers operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. There are a number of platforms for delivery of broadband, and service providers are now offering broadband by fixed line, wireless, cable, satellite, and more recently, mobile in many areas of the country. My Department operates a dedicated website, www.broadband.gov.ie where potential broadband customers can ascertain the availability of services in their area.

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. 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 experienced by both business and domestic users. These include providing grant-aid under the recently concluded Group Broadband Scheme and investment in Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs). Although broadband is now widely available in Ireland there are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services. These areas are being addressed by the National Broadband Scheme (NBS), which will provide broadband services to areas that are currently unserved, including any unserved areas in County Kerry, and will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband are met.

The first phase of the NBS procurement process (Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)) is now complete, and four candidates pre-qualified to enter the next phase of the procurement process. Following the withdrawal of the IFA/Motorola Consortium as a candidate the remaining three candidates have now commenced "Competitive Dialogue" with my Department and are developing their proposed solutions to meet my 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, with roll out to commence as soon as possible thereafter.