Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 181: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the people of Glenbeigh, County Kerry can expect to have broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8118/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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My Department has entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the delivery of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). 3 is currently planning the construction and roll out of the required infrastructure for the purposes of the provision of the service. Challenging roll out targets have been agreed with 3. Services will begin to be rolled out in April 2009 and the entire NBS area must be covered by September 2010. Although the general area of Glenbeigh, Co. Kerry will be covered by the NBS, 3 are not yet in a position to state exactly when the service will be rolled out in each area.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 182: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when discussions will be completed on the next generation broadband consultation papers; if a decision has been made on the roll out of phase II of the MANs projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8122/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The consultation period for the Next Generation Broadband policy paper closed last October. My officials have examined the written submissions received and the contributions made at a one day consultation forum that I hosted on 30th September 2008. I intend to publish a final report shortly having regard to the contributions received. Any future broadband investment decisions, including investment in further phases of the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) Programme, will be guided by (i) the final policy paper on Next Generation Broadband, (ii) the Value for Money and Policy Review of Phase I of the MANs Programme, which was published last year, (iii) any other analysis as appropriate and (iv) the availability of resources.