Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 83: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 114 of 29 October 2008 if he has the recommendations from the working group; if so, if he will provide details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43698/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I published a consultation paper on Next Generation Broadband in July 2008. The introduction of a regulation to require the installation of open access fibre connection in new premises, where practicable, was one of the proposed policy actions. Fibre has been deployed in a number of residential developments but they are proprietary systems. I am interested in putting open access networks in place.

The working group referred to by the Deputy is one I have set up to examine a range of practical issues that need to be addressed before a regulation can be put into effect. The group comprises of officials from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, ComReg and my own Department.

These issues are quite complex and span legal, financial, technical and regulatory matters. For example they include the technical specifications and standards that will be required by the industry for open access fibre, ownership, maintenance and cost implications and whether universal application is practicable. The installation of open access fibre in new premises is an innovative proposal and some of the issues have not had to be considered in Ireland before. They will take some time to work through but I can assure the Deputy that the group is addressing them as a matter of urgency.

Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 84: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he expects to publish a report into the recommendations of the International Broadband Advisory Forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43706/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The International Advisory Forum met on the 26th and 27th February 2008 to advise me on the optimum role for Government in the development of Next Generation Broadband in Ireland.

The members of this forum brought a diverse range of knowledge and experience from around the world and critiqued a draft policy paper on Next Generation Broadband, which was prepared by my Department. The insight and views of the Advisory Forum were considered in the context of the preparation of the policy paper on Next Generation Broadband which was published in July 2008 for public consultation.

A separate one-day Forum on the draft policy paper was held on the 30th September, this year. 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 Next Generation Broadband in Ireland. In addition, an online consultation process was conducted. The consultation period has now ended for receipt of written submissions. My Department is considering these and the results from the one-day Forum. I intend to publish a final report before the end of the year.