Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 199: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the action he is taking to hasten the provision of broadband to Bredagh Glen, Moville, County Donegal; his views on whether people living in that area are being put at a competitive disadvantage in terms of establishing or conducting business and that the youth of Moville are at an educational disadvantage relative to youths living in areas serviced by broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41805/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is 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 role of the Government is to formulate regulatory and infrastructure policies to facilitate the provision of high quality telecommunications services, by competing private sector service providers.

It is important to note that in addition to fixed landline broadband, otherwise known as Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) or broadband over telephone lines, broadband services are available from competing service providers over multiple platforms including cable, satellite, fixed wireless and increasingly mobile. I understand that Moville already has broadband on offer from a number of service providers.

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 200: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when tenders for the national roll-out of broadband will be decided. [41810/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Two bids from Eircom Ltd and Hutchison 3G Ireland have been received in response to the National Broadband Scheme Invitation to Tender. These bids are currently being evaluated and the evaluation process is scheduled for completion shortly. The preferred bidder is expected to be announced this month.