Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 131: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the national broadband scheme; his views on whether the 1MB service that it offers is sufficient and competitive; the most up to date cost of this project; the timeframe for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43646/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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On the 25 November 2008 I announced that 3, a Hutchison Whampoa company, has been selected as the preferred tenderer for the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) following the conclusion of a comprehensive competitive procurement process. The NBS contract is expected to be signed with 3 by mid-December.

NBS consumers will be provided with a reliable and price competitive broadband connection consisting of an always on service of at least 1mbps contended at 30:1. Higher speeds will be experienced by some consumers located closer to base stations. The service will be upgraded to higher specifications during the 68 month contract without any increase in charge to the consumer.

In order to protect the integrity of the procurement process, I do not propose to release details of the value of the contract at this time.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 132: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the action, in view of the difficulties experienced accessing broadband in Kilmacanogue, County Wicklow, he is taking to deal with this problem; if he will confirm if Kilmacanogue appears as being covered by broadband on his Department's broadband map; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43653/08]

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. Matters in relation to service provision are for the service providers and if necessary, 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 Kilmacanogue already has broadband on offer from a number of service providers. Details of the services available in Kilmacanogue are available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie.