Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 418: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide details on the progress made of the national broadband plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29242/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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At the beginning of May I launched the report of the Next Generation Broadband Taskforce (NGBT) containing proposals to assist in delivering on the commitment in the Programme for Government to have widespread customer access to high-speed broadband available across Ireland. The Taskforce, which I chaired, comprised the CEOs of all the major telecommunications companies operating in the Irish market, as well as CEOs of some other companies that provide broadband services.

In launching the report I also commenced a public consultation to allow all other interested parties to comment on the document and to offer any additional or alternative proposals. The public consultaiton closed in early June and more than 50 responses were received. My Department is currently considering the responses received and related matters. Building on the work of the Taskforce and the responses received, it is my intention to bring proposals for a National Broadband Plan to Government shortly with a view to agreeing a comprehensive set of policy actions to underpin the provision of high speed services on a national basis.