Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 108: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has considered the repurchase of Eircom infrastructure as part of the telecommunications infrastructure strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43728/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Government has not considered the issue of possible purchase of eircom infrastructure. The issue of whether this infrastructure would be offered for sale is a matter for eircom, under the Government's telecommunications infrastructure strategy the private sector has primary responsibility for the development of such infrastructure. There are a number of infrastructure providers of which eircom is one. Eircom is on record as saying it remains committed to developing broadband to as many parts of the country as possible.

Ireland has a vibrant broadband market with service providers offering services across a range of platforms at increasingly fast speeds. In addition the National Broadband Scheme for which the preferred bidder was recently announced, will bring broadband to those parts of the country where a commercial service cannot be provided. This will result in broadband being available universally throughout the country.