Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 1029: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress that has been made in deciding whether the European economic recovery package can be used to address problems of access to broadband in unserved rural areas; and if there is a time frame within which such a decision will be made. [34050/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The widespread acceptance of the benefits of broadband has motivated the EU Commission to set aside a portion of European Economic Recovery Package (EERP) funding for rural broadband initiatives. While the National Broadband Scheme (NBS), which will be implemented by the end of 2010, will ensure broadband is available to almost all parts of the country, a small number of premises in areas not covered by the NBS will still not be capable of receiving broadband services. This is primarily due to technical difficulties and other reasons (distance from nearest DSL enabled telephone exchange, no line of sight etc).

My Department is currently examining options around the design of a scheme under the EERP to make service available to such premises in rural areas. It is hoped to commence this Scheme in 2010 and conclude it by 2011. A critical first step is to apply for and secure State Aid clearance from the European Commission. This dialogue has already begun.