Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 103: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps which he is taking to ensure the availability of quality broadband throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15330/08]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 110: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the percentage of the country which has access to broadband; when he expects there will be 100% coverage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15467/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 103 and 110 together.

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. These included providing grant-aid under the Group Broadband Scheme and ongoing investment in Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs). There are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services. Accordingly, the procurement process for a National Broadband Scheme (NBS) is under way. The NBS will provide broadband services to areas that are currently unserved and will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband are met. Homes and premises that are more difficult to reach are also being examined and potential solutions are being considered. Consequently, it is expected that all homes and premises in currently unserved areas will be offered a broadband service.

The first phase of the procurement process (Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)) is now complete, and four candidates pre-qualified to enter the next phase of the procurement process. The four candidates were, in alphabetical order, BT Communications Ireland Ltd Consortium, eircom Ltd, Hutchinson 3G Ireland Ltd and IFA/Motorola Consortium. Following the withdrawal of the IFA/Motorola Consortium as a candidate the remaining three candidates participated in "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 July 2008, with roll out to commence as soon as possible thereafter.

Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 104: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the discussions he has had with the Department of Social and Family Affairs to ensure that older people will be entitled to avail of free broadband as per the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14660/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I have not had any discussions with the Department of Social and Family Affairs regarding this matter. I understand however, that under that Department's Telephone Allowance Scheme, where people access the Internet using a landline, the telephone allowance applies to their bill usage and will cover the cost of calls or Internet usage up to the level of their allowance. I also understand that the Department Social and Family Affairs is currently examining how best to address cases where a landline does not exist and customers are not availing of their allowance in respect of a mobile phone.