Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 607: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the map that will be used as the basis for delineating the areas where there is no broadband service and therefore will be eligible for the National Broadband Scheme; the data used to compile this map; and if the data came from service providers alone or whether it has been cross-checked against information from consumers or other sources. [25698/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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In order to identify areas where broadband coverage is and is not available, my officials asked broadband operators to provide their coverage details. The operators were asked to provide details of: Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) broadband coverage; fixed wireless broadband coverage; and mobile broadband coverage.

A map was compiled on the basis of the information provided by broadband operators and is available on the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) section of my Department's website.

The map has been produced having regard to the following: DSL enabled exchanges are taken to have a broadband service radius of 4.5 km; wireless/mobile service providers providing broadband services through the use of licensed and licensed exempt spectrum are taken to have service areas related to the size of service providers' footprints, as appropriate and, having regard to the topographical effects on the wireless signal.

Broadband operators have been requested to update coverage details as they evolve in order to keep the maps current. The latest iteration of the map was published in March 2008.

The operators were given a deadline of 30 June 2008 to provide their most up-to-date service coverage. All information received by the deadline of 30 June 2008 will be reflected in the next iteration of the map.

My Department is also undertaking a validation exercise in relation to the coverage information and will consider any documented feedback from all sources in relation to broadband coverage.

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 608: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the term reasonable request is defined in the context of the remit of the national broadband scheme to provide broadband service in response to any such request; and the definition of same. [25699/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Although broadband is now widely available in Ireland there are still some parts of the country where the private sector is unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services. These currently unserved areas will be addressed by the National Broadband Scheme (NBS).

"Reasonable requests" is a term used in the electronic communications industry whereby a request for service will only be met if the cost of providing that service is reasonable or justified. Much dialogue has taken place between my officials and the remaining candidates in the NBS procurement process on how best to reach as many unserved homes and businesses as possible. Consequently, I understand the final "Invitation to Tender" will require the winning Service Provider to meet all requests for a broadband service in the areas to be addressed by the NBS.

The dialogue will be complete in the coming weeks with the outcome of the discussions regarding my Department's NBS requirements then being reflected in the final "Invitation to Tender".

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 609: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the budget of the national broadband scheme. [25700/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The National Broadband Scheme is currently the subject of a competitive procurement process. In order to protect the integrity of the procurement process, I do not propose to comment publicly on the funding allocated to the Scheme.

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 610: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the terms of the contract awarded under the national broadband scheme stipulate a minimum download speed, upload speed, or other technical requirements that must be provided; and the requirements in relation to same. [25701/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The first phase of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) procurement process (the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)) is now complete. The remaining candidates have been engaged in "Competitive Dialogue" with my Department and are developing their proposed solutions to meet my Department's requirements.

Judicial Review proceedings regarding certain elements of the NBS mapping process took place on 10 and 11 June 2008 in the High Court and a judgement is awaited. While the outcome of the Judicial Review cannot be anticipated, it is currently expected that a preferred bidder for the NBS will be selected in September 2008, with rollout to commence as soon as possible thereafter.

The contract will stipulate minimum download and upload speeds and other relevant technical requirements. The exact details will not be known until the Invitation to Tender (ITT) is finalised later this month.