John Deasy
Question:147 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the details of the recent strategy group formed to promote the interests of broadband technology and its roll-out. [6337/03]
Written Answers - Broadband Technology.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:162 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the membership and terms of reference of the recently formed Telecom Strategy Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6258/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 162 together.
In light of the increasing importance of the information society, the Taoiseach and a number of Government officials discussed with an IBEC delegation the possibility of greater dialogue between telecommunications operators and the State. Arising from the meeting of November last year it was agreed that a shared agenda for the development of telecommunications in Ireland would be of enormous benefit for the further development of the information society in Ireland.
The telecoms strategy group has now been formed as a means of outlining a future plan of action that will create a set of goals for the development of telecommunications and broadband services in Ireland. The group's terms of reference include, first, the formulation of an agreed goal for the development of the telecommunications sector in Ireland, to bring about more competition and wider choice in the delivery of high bandwidth and advanced data services to industry and society at large. Second, the group has been requested to set short, medium and long-term goals for the industry that are practical, achievable and meet the needs of Government, consumers and telecommunications operators. The group will monitor and propose corrective action where needed, if any changes in the environment hinder the achievement of the groups agreed goals. The group will be required to provide an interim and final report over the next 12 to 18 months.
I have made clear to the group that it should not arrive at policies involving Exchequer subvention of telecommunications services. In addition the work of the group will not dilute the Government's commitment to its regional broadband policy.
The membership of the group comprises both public and private representatives. Industry will be represented by : George Young, IBEC; Gerry Fahy, IBEC; Tommy McCabe, IBEC; Pat Galvin, Eircom; David Taylor, Esat; Larla Flynn, Alto; and Willie Fagan, Chorus. The Government will be represented by officials from my Department, the Department of Finance and the Department of the Taoiseach.