Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 26: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position in relation to the awarding of the national broadband scheme and its subsequent rollout; if it is on schedule; and if not, the reason for same. [26936/08]

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 39: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the action being taken within his Department to support the provision of broadband to rural dwellers in view of the fact that his Department is encouraging farmers to make use of online processes to eliminate registrations and scheme applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25579/08]

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 47: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the accuracy of the broadband coverage map and therefore the area to be addressed by the national broadband scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28016/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 26, 39 and 47 together.

The provision of broadband services 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.

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 (GBS) and ongoing 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 and will ensure that all requests for broadband are met.

The first phase of the NBS procurement process (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.

The dialogue between the remaining candidates and my officials has proven to be very effective with all parties addressing and resolving potential ambiguities in the final Invitation to Tender (ITT) documentation. This effort, which has given rise to unanticipated work in advance of the issuing of the final ITT, will minimise the need for negotiations at the contract award stage of project.

Additionally, the NBS mapping process has given rise to a number of queries regarding the accuracy of the map being used to identify the extent of existing broadband coverage within the State. While I am, thus far, satisfied with the accuracy of the map, my officials are carrying out a series of spot checks and validations to ensure the accuracy of the maps.

Finally, 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.