I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 153 together.
The provision of telecommunications, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. ComReg's register of authorised undertakings currently lists no less than 196 companies offering Internet access services in Ireland with a wide variety of service levels.
My Department regularly reviews all aspects of the broadband market and holds discussions with broadband interest groups, both public and private, to listen to their concerns. These discussions are ongoing and look at all options over a range of issues regarding broadband supply and demand. A set of policy directions was issued to ComReg in March 2004. It included a direction on broadband, which encouraged ComReg to use regulatory and other means available to it to stimulate the broadband market. ComReg reports regularly to me on the implementation of these directions.
The rate of broadband uptake is dependent on access by the service providers to suitable infrastructure across the regions. My Department is addressing the infrastructure deficit, in co-operation with the local and regional authorities, through the regional broadband programme, by building high speed open access fibre based metropolitan area networks, MANs, in 120 towns and cities nationwide, using European Regional Development Fund, ERDF, and Government funding under the National Development Plan 2000-2006.
Funding is also available for smaller towns and rural communities to become self sufficient in broadband through the county and group broadband scheme. The scheme is technology neutral, allowing the community to select the most suitable broadband delivery platform for the area. The construction and install action is also under way in the joint industry-Government funded broadband for schools programme. A sum of €18 million has been provided for this scheme, which will provide every school in the country with broadband by the beginning of 2006.
In late 2004, the Government set a target of 400,000 broadband subscribers to be achieved by the end of 2006. Subsequently, broadband subscriber numbers have grown by 75%. The current take up for broadband is in the region of 10,000 per month and continues to grow across a range of technologies. The Government's broadband target is to be within the top half of EU countries by the end of 2007. The current ranking of Ireland against other European countries reflects the late launch of competitive, affordable broadband by private broadband service providers in Ireland and a slow take up by consumers.
However, Ireland's rating is improving. According to recent EU Internet statistics there are over 2 million Internet users in Ireland. This represents user growth of 163% in the last four years and a market penetration per population of 51.2%, which compares favourably with the EU average of 48.9%. Irish broadband prices are now below the EU average and this should have the effect of further stimulating demand.