I propose to take Questions Nos. 32, 37 and 58 together.
I launched the consultation paper on Next Generation Broadband on Thursday the 3rd of July 2008. A copy of the consultation paper is on my Department's website. The consultation period will run until the 30th September 2008. As part of the consultation process a public forum will be held this September. The precise date has yet to be finalised.
The consultation process will facilitate the views of stakeholders on the policy framework and specific actions set out in the paper. It will also inform the drafting of the new Action Plan on the Information Society which is now the responsibility of my Department. I intend that the necessary work on the implementation of the actions should commence as quickly as possible in order to meet the targets. A number of the recommendations require close co-operation with other Departments and State agencies and this work will be advanced prior to the completion of the consultation process.
In regard to Government purchasing power, I would point out that there are opportunities to adopt a more joined up approach to communications procurement by the Government sector within geographical areas in order to provide economies of scale for telecoms operators considering making infrastructure investments, including in broadband. This action will be pursued in conjunction with the Department of Finance.
In relation to research, the consultation paper sets out that my Department will work with ComReg and the ERSI to establish a specialised research programme to monitor developments in this fast changing area and provide evidence-based policy advice. This programme will support ongoing policy development in the communications sector by providing a robust information framework for the sector. It is intended that the costs of the research programme will be shared equally by ComReg and my Department. Preliminary estimates indicate that my Department's share of the costs will be around 382,000 over a three year period.