Written answers

Tuesday, 30 November 2010

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Telecommunications Services

5:00 am

Photo of Joanna TuffyJoanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 41: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress from the Government's working group set up to ensure new buildings will have open-access fibre connections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44999/10]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The provision of high speed broadband connectivity as a critical element in the development of a competitive Smart Economy and inclusive Knowledge Society is a policy priority. My Department's policy in this area is set out in the paper "Next Generation Broadband – Gateway to a Knowledge Ireland", 2009. One of the actions in this Paper is the requirement for new premises to have open access fibre connections installed, where practicable.

A working group has been set up comprising officials from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) and my own Department to examine a range of practical issues that needs to be addressed to progress this action. As part of this process, officials from my Department have drafted technical recommendations and have held a pre-consultation with relevant stakeholders. A full consultation with the construction industry and relevant stakeholders will take place shortly with a view to finalising a set of actions over the coming months.

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