Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 July 2012
466 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he expects nationwide availability of broadband of speed and quality comparable to the best worldwide to become available here; the extent to which he has identified obstacles to such progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36882/12]
View answerThere is a commitment in the Programme for Government to co-invest with the private sector and commercial Semi State sector to provide Next Generation Broadband customer access and associated fast speeds to every home and business in the State. The Next Generation Broadband Taskforce (NGBT) report, which I launched on 2 May last, will have an important role to play in this regard. The Taskforce, which I chaired, comprised the CEOs of ten broadband services providers. The industry participants included 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 consultation closed in early June and more than 50 responses were received for consideration. 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 which will take due account of the NGBT report and the additional responses received.
