Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 110: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on findings that show that broadband connections here are among the most expensive in the OECD; his further views on the poor performance with regard to broadband speeds by Ireland in the OECD countries; the steps he is taking to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43639/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The provision of telecommunications services including broadband services is, in the first instance, a matter for the private sector. The relevant service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.

The broadband market is a fast moving and dynamic one; this applies to all OECD countries.

On this basis, annual comparisons of broadband metrics between different countries cannot capture the full extent of market developments. For example, the OECD statistics do not include mobile broadband, which now has 222,300 subscribers in Ireland and accounts for approximately 21% of all broadband delivered, making it one of the highest rates within the EU. In addition, a number of offers available in Ireland now include broadband speeds of 20 Mbps and would not be reflected in most recent OECD figures.

A survey conducted by the OECD on the affordability of a broadband product in the various markets based on the "cost of broadband as a proportion of GDP per capita" instead of simply looking at the price ranks Ireland 6th, as at October 2007.

Recent surveys conducted by ComReg indicate that the majority of Irish people are content with existing broadband speeds and the value for money of their Internet service.

While investment in broadband infrastructure is primarily a matter for telecoms operators, Government has invested and will continue to invest in broadband infrastructure in order to address the digital divide and regional inequalities. The broadband policy consultation paper, which I published last July, sets out a number of proposed initiatives including the utilisation of State infrastructure for broadband connectivity, establishment of a one-stop shop to facilitate this and opening up of broadband access to new buildings. These proposals are being advanced. In addition, the preferred bidder for the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) was recently announced. The NBS will significantly improve broadband coverage, especially in rural areas.