Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 132: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans for 2009, in the context of the 25% cut in the information and communications technology programme, outside of the national broadband scheme, to invest in promoting next generation broadband networks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37155/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I would stress that the primary source of investment in Next Generation Broadband Networks is the private sector. Exchequer funded investment is in targeted interventions where the private sector is unlikely to invest. The total 2009 estimate for expenditure on Information and Communications Technology Programme is €40.4m. The main projects for investment under this Programme include the National Broadband Scheme (NBS), completion of Phase II of the MANs programme, international connectivity in partnership with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Industry in Northern Ireland (Project Kelvin) and 100mbps broadband to post primary schools.

Other decisions on investment in electronic communications infrastructure will be guided by the Value for Money Policy Review (VFMPR) on Phase I of the MANs programme, the final policy paper on Next Generation Broadband and any other analyses as appropriate.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 133: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he expects to publish a report on the recommendations of the international broadband advisory forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37162/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The International Advisory Forum met on the 26th and 27th February to advise me on the optimum role for Government in the development of Next Generation Broadband in Ireland. The members of the forum brought a diverse range of knowledge and experience from around the world and critiqued a draft policy paper on Next Generation Broadband (NGB), which was prepared by my Department. The insight and views of the Advisory Forum were considered in the policy paper on NGB that was published in July 2008 for public consultation.

A one day Forum on the draft policy paper was held on the 30th September. This brought together representatives from the Telecoms and Broadcasting industries, policy makers and broadband users to discuss options on the optimal role of Government in the development of NGB in Ireland. In addition, an on-line consultation process was conducted. The consultation period has now ended for receipt of written submissions and my Department is considering these and the results from the Forum. I intend to publish a final report before the end of the year.