Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 82: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will seek a strategic partnership with Eircom under the new Singapore Technologies Telemedia partnership to roll out fibre broadband to the home. [10184/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Government policy pertaining to the electronic communications market in Ireland is set out in "Next Generation Broadband – Gateway to a Knowledge Ireland", which I published in June 2009. The policy paper was developed in accordance with various key principles, which are crucial to the development of the market including (i) competition, at platform and service levels, which drives innovation and investment, (ii) investment certainty for service providers considering investing in network infrastructure, (iii) investment intervention by Government to bridge any digital divide in cases of market failure and to meet certain of the State's own communication needs, and (iv) appropriate regulation. The policy paper sets out the Government's position that investment in broadband infrastructure is primarily a matter for the private sector, facilitated, where appropriate and possible, by Government (e.g. by providing access to State owned infrastructure).

Existing policy has facilitated significant progress in broadband roll out and broadband speeds over recent years and my focus will be on continuing implementation of this policy. I welcome all plans by service providers across different platforms to invest in high-speed broadband and will ensure that the State provides a supportive environment for such investment.

Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 83: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the national broadband scheme; the cost of the scheme to date; the overall expected cost; if the project is set for completion in September 2010; the maximum and minimum spends expected for this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10139/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I regret to advise the Deputy that it is not possible to provide a response to her Question at this time. I will write to the Deputy as soon as it is available.