Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 34: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he is taking to ensure the roll out of broadband in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35461/09]

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 44: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the claims that although there are up to 12,000 homes and businesses that cannot access broadband they are not covered by the national broadband scheme; the provision he will make for these cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35528/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 44 together.

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. In designing the NBS, which was approved by the EU Commission, it was necessary to strike a balance between reaching as many unserved areas as possible and minimising the impact of the scheme on businesses already providing broadband services in rural areas, thereby minimising market distortion in accordance with EU State Aid rules. Accordingly, 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).

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. My Department is currently examining options around the design of a scheme using this funding to make a 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.