Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 72: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the results for the NGN consultation process that his Department has facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18751/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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In July 2008 I published a draft paper on next generation broadband which considered the challenges for the Government in positioning Ireland as a leading country in the provision of broadband infrastructure and in the development of new digital applications.

The Paper set out that private sector investment and competition will be the main drivers of the roll out of next generation networks and applications.

The Government's role will be to provide a regulatory framework that supports a competitive market and supports potentially risky investments in Next Generation Access Networks. Provided that principles such as open access and non discrimination are respected, new models of collaboration by operators can be considered.

Government will have a direct investment role to play in bridging digital divides where the market cannot provide solutions.

Following publication of the draft paper, I initiated an extensive consultation process. This involved written submissions on the Paper, a one-day Forum held on the 30th September 2008 and an online consultation forum. The consultation process yielded a wide range of submissions from the industry, policy makers and broadband users. I am pleased to say that the thrust of the proposals in the draft paper was widely supported.

The output of the consultation process informed consideration of the final shape of the policy paper, particularly the implementation of the policy actions such as a one-stop-shop for State infrastructure to facilitate the rollout of fibre to the regions; mandating fibre to new build where practicable; high speed connectivity to schools, and innovative use of frequency spectrum. I expect to publish the final paper within a matter of weeks.

It is also important to note that both public and private investment in telecommunications investment has continued over the period in a manner equally consistent with the thrust of the draft NGN paper. The private sector investment has seen broadband connectivity exceeding the one million subscriber mark and Ireland is now the fastest growing broadband market in Europe. Public sector investment has seen the agreement and initial roll-out of the National Broadband Scheme, improvement in International Connectivity through Project Kelvin and the substantial completion of the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs).