Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 954: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of households in each townland, area and town (details supplied); the number of telephone lines currently in use in each area; the number of broadband lines currently available in each area; the number of broadband lines currently in use in each area; the date when each area was broadband enabled; the date when each one will be broadband enabled if not already completed; the number of lines in each area which are suitable for broadband; the number of lines in each area which will be available for broadband when made available; the exchange which serves each area; and if he will provide the information in tabular form. [26740/08]

Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 959: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the different types of phone lines used here; if any of these types of phone line are incompatible with providing broadband to households; when these lines, incompatible with broadband, were installed; if these types of lines are still being used; the number of households that cannot receive broadband as a result of the type of line they have installed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26918/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 954 and 959 together.

The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband is, in the first instance, 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. ComReg is responsible for the compiling of statistics from market data provided by service providers. I understand that these statistics are collected on a national basis only. I therefore, have no information in relation to the areas specified by the Deputy.

I have no function in the matter of the enabling for broadband purposes of exchanges owned by private companies or the quality of lines for provision of broadband services. It is anticipated that the facilitation of greater competition via the introduction of broadband from different technology platforms should encourage the more rapid enabling of exchanges for broadband.

Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 955: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the tender process has begun for providing a new bundled broadband and rental service for older people; when this is expected to be launched; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26914/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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This involves the extension of the current free telephone rental scheme to provide for free broadband for older people. This is accordingly a matter for the Minister for Social and Family Affairs.

Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 956: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the tenders will be agreed for the roll-out of the next stage of the national broadband scheme as these were expected in May or June of 2008; the areas these tenders will cover; the speed expected to be provided on these new systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26915/08]

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 "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 and will stipulate minimum download and upload speeds and other relevant technical requirements. The exact details, including the NBS coverage map, will be known when the Invitation to Tender (ITT) is finalised later this month.

Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 957: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the action taken to separate Eircom's network from its commercial retail business in order to create a fully open access broadband system here; when this is expected to occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26916/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I have no function in the matter raised by the Deputy. Eircom is a private company and is entitled to implement the corporate structure that best meets its needs provided that appropriate engagement takes place with the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) on any regulatory issues that might arise in a separated company. ComReg is independent in the exercise of its functions.

Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 958: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the contention rates on average here for broadband; if these are monitored by ComReg; the internationally accepted rates for high speed broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26917/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is in the first instance, 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.

Contention ratios are one element of broadband packages offered to consumers by service providers and can vary across access platforms and the type of plan chosen by the consumer. ComReg informs consumers of the various broadband products available in Ireland at www.callcosts.ie. Information on a product's contention ratios is provided. I understand that data on contention ratios is not collected for international comparison purposes.

Question No. 959 answered with Question No. 954.

Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 960: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of households that do not currently have access to broadband; the number that do not have access as it would require intervention or support from the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26919/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband is, in the first instance, 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. It is estimated that 85-90% of households in Ireland currently reside in a broadband enabled area.

The remaining 10 -15% of the population live in unserved areas, i.e. areas where the private sector is unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services. The Government will address the lack of availability through the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). The first phase of the 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.