Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 125: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he will instruct the regulator to open access to ducting, capable of carrying fibre optic cable, in public and private ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37169/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The regulation of the telecommunications industry is the responsibility of the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, which regulates the industry in accordance with an EU regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services. In regard to opening access to public sector ducting, this will be advanced by my proposal for a one stop shop, which my officials are currently working on with the relevant State agencies. The Deputy may be aware that there are currently discussions taking place at EU level regarding the powers of national regulators in relation to duct access. Ireland has strongly supported this initiative to strengthen the regulators powers.

Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 126: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will confirm his assurance that Ireland will have universal access to broadband in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37175/08]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 153: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, further to Parliamentary Question No. 110 of 23 April 2008, the progress made with the roll out of the national broadband scheme to provide broadband to areas in which commercial provision is not viable; the remaining areas of the country which remain unserved by broadband; when he expects to be able to offer all people, in particular those in rural areas, access to quality broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37245/08]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 165: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the national broadband scheme; if the scheme will cover all areas not served by broadband suppliers here, excluding satellite providers; the areas that will not be covered by the scheme in view of the fact that the maps have been redrawn since the initial map was released which show an increase in the areas that are not being served by broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37147/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 126, 153 and 165 together.

My Department has reached the evaluation stage of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) procurement process. The evaluation of bids is scheduled for completion shortly and the contract is expected to be signed next month. Subject to agreement with the chosen service provider, roll out of services is expected to begin shortly after the contract is signed. The chosen service provider will be required to complete the roll out of services within 22 months of the contract award. All requests for a broadband service in the areas to be addressed by the NBS will be met.

Areas already covered by terrestrial broadband service providers will not be included in the NBS. The map showing the areas to be addressed by the NBS is available on my Department's website: http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Communications/Communications+Development/National+Broadband+ Scheme.htm

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 127: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the way spectrum should be allocated in the context of broadband provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37189/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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As Minister with overall responsibility for spectrum policy, I am committed to ensuring that the spectrum resource is assigned and used effectively. This involves the efficient use of spectrum and also involves ensuring that spectrum policy is sufficiently flexible to accommodate technological development and supports, and promotes innovation, research and development in new spectrum based technologies. Among the key enablers for meeting future wireless broadband demand will be a flexible and innovative spectrum policy, incorporating developing concepts such as open access to spectrum resources.

One of my tasks in developing a radio spectrum policy to meet emerging needs is to make sure that the radio spectrum serves not only economic interests but also a range of public interests. In addition to these public interests, the radio spectrum supports development and innovation in the Information Technology sector. I have recently launched two documents for public consultation — a Report of a Working Group on Spectrum Policy and a Paper on Next Generation Broadband. Both of these documents recognise the importance of spectrum for the development and provision of wireless broadband services. Responses to these consultation documents will inform the development of policy in these areas.

The switchover from analogue to digital television is expected to free up spectrum for other uses — the "digital dividend". My consideration of the potential uses of spectrum after the switchover will include examining the feasibility of making additional spectrum available to support the deployment of high speed broadband networks in rural areas.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 129: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of people and the amount of resources that are allocated to working full-time on the national broadband scheme; the duties of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37148/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The procurement process for the NBS is being led by an Assistant Secretary and a Principal Officer and staffed by 3 full time personnel at Assistant Principal, Higher Executive Officer and Clerical Officer levels. ComReg, who are assisting with the development of the Scheme, also provide a full-time resource to the NBS Working Group. The person is providing project management and technical expertise. The NBS personnel are being supported by consultants Analysys Mason who provide technical, economic and commercial advice. McCann Fitzgerald are the legal advisors on the scheme. One other full time consultant is supporting the scheme in a technical and administrative capacity.