Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 199: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on whether the recent announcement (details supplied) regarding the extension of broadband to rural communities will adequately service the demand for broadband in these communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8919/09]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 200: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the timeframe involved in the extension of broadband to rural communities in view of the importance of broadband to rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8947/09]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 201: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps, with regard to his statement on 22 January 2009 regarding the announcement of the national broadband scheme, his Department is taking to ensure the early roll-out of the scheme in those areas of the country for which he has ministerial responsibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8970/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 199 to 201, inclusive, together.

Following the conclusion of a competitive tendering process, my Department has entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the delivery of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). The NBS will deliver broadband to certain targeted areas in Ireland in which broadband services are not available. 3 will be required to provide services to all residences and businesses that fall within the NBS area and who seek a service. In order to facilitate competition in the area, 3 is also required to provide wholesale access to any other authorised operator who wishes to serve residences and businesses in the NBS area.

3 is currently planning the construction and rollout of the infrastructure required for the provision of the service. Challenging roll out targets are contained in the contract with 3. Services will begin to be rolled out in April 2009 and the entire NBS area must be covered by September 2010.

I am satisfied that the NBS will provide a quality broadband service in the NBS coverage area and will bridge the current digital divide for rural communities. Details of the areas to be covered by "3" under the NBS are available at www.three.ie/nbs.