I propose to take Questions Nos. 992 and 996 together.
It is accepted that even after the full roll-out of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) there will still be a small percentage of premises that will not be capable of receiving broadband services. This is primarily due to technical and other reasons (suitability of a telephone line, distance from an enabled exchange, no line of sight etc.). The European Economic Recovery Programme includes funding for access to broadband infrastructure in rural areas and my Department is currently considering the design and implementation of such a scheme. This work will include the identification of premises not capable of receiving broadband.
It is hoped to commence this scheme in 2010 and have it completed by 2012. Discussions have already commenced with the European Commission on the first step of applying for and securing State Aid clearance.