P J Sheehan (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 32: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he will announce the date in September 2008 on which the public forum on his next generation broadband consultation paper will meet; when, after this, a finalised policy paper on next generation broadband will be published; when he envisages the first concrete action will be undertaken by Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28232/08]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 37: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will explain the meaning of pledge number eight in his consultation paper on next generation broadband to use Government purchasing power in order to stimulate demand, create economies of scale and better public services; if this will be the subject of further detailed specific plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28229/08]

Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 58: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide further detail on pledge number 10 in his consultation paper on next generation broadband, namely, to establish a specialised research programme to monitor developments; when this programme will be established; the resources that will be devoted to it; the remit of the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28231/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 32, 37 and 58 together.

I launched the consultation paper on Next Generation Broadband on Thursday the 3rd of July 2008. A copy of the consultation paper is on my Department's website. The consultation period will run until the 30th September 2008. As part of the consultation process a public forum will be held this September. The precise date has yet to be finalised.

The consultation process will facilitate the views of stakeholders on the policy framework and specific actions set out in the paper. It will also inform the drafting of the new Action Plan on the Information Society which is now the responsibility of my Department. I intend that the necessary work on the implementation of the actions should commence as quickly as possible in order to meet the targets. A number of the recommendations require close co-operation with other Departments and State agencies and this work will be advanced prior to the completion of the consultation process.

In regard to Government purchasing power, I would point out that there are opportunities to adopt a more joined up approach to communications procurement by the Government sector within geographical areas in order to provide economies of scale for telecoms operators considering making infrastructure investments, including in broadband. This action will be pursued in conjunction with the Department of Finance.

In relation to research, the consultation paper sets out that my Department will work with ComReg and the ERSI to establish a specialised research programme to monitor developments in this fast changing area and provide evidence-based policy advice. This programme will support ongoing policy development in the communications sector by providing a robust information framework for the sector. It is intended that the costs of the research programme will be shared equally by ComReg and my Department. Preliminary estimates indicate that my Department's share of the costs will be around 382,000 over a three year period.