Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 36: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on introducing a universal service provision for broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10510/09]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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I have no plans to extend the universal service obligations in the communications sector to broadband.

The Government has recognised the importance of ubiquitous access to broadband and its widespread provision continues to be a priority. Government policy has been to facilitate the provision of high quality telecommunications services, by competing private sector providers. Where market failure has occurred the Government has intervened such as in the case of the provision of broadband infrastructure in the regions and the National Broadband Scheme. The National Broadband Scheme will bring broadband to those parts of the country where a commercial service cannot be provided. Ireland looks forward to and will participate fully in the debate arising from the European Commission's Communication last year on the future of Universal Service in the telecoms sector.