Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 July 2016
251. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to what extent comparisons continue to be made with the quality, scale, standard and availability of broadband and mobile telephony in this jurisdiction with that available in other European Union and non-European Union competing jurisdictions, if the upgrading required is adequately provided for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21878/16]
View answerThe European Commission’s Europe's Digital Progress Report 2016 ranks Ireland 15th of the EU 28 and ahead of the EU average. In the mobile market the EU Commission ranks Ireland 9th highest within the EU and ahead of the EU average. In wider international comparisons, the OECD ranks Ireland 25th of 34 countries for fixed broadband connections per 100 inhabitants. In the mobile market the OECD ranks Ireland 13th of 34 countries for mobile broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants which is ahead of the OECD average.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) is addressing the remaining deficit in access to high speed broadband networks in Ireland. It aims to provide access to high speed broadband services in every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority. This is being achieved through commercial investment by telecommunications networks providers and through a State intervention in areas where commercial investment is not forthcoming.
The Programme for Government also commits to the adoption of measures to assist in the rollout of broadband networks. In this regard, Minister Humphreys is leading on the establishment of county or regional broadband taskforces, working with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices, LEADER Groups and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) to deliver the State intervention has been awarded.
The Programme for Government also commits to the establishment of a mobile phone and broadband Taskforce which will consider immediate measures to address telecommunications deficits in rural Ireland. My Department is engaging with the Department of Arts, Heritage, Rural, Regional and Gaeltacht Affairs in relation to the terms of reference for the Taskforce to ensure delivery of the Programme for Government commitment. The Taskforce will involve a number of Government Departments and agencies, as well as engagement with ComReg and telecommunications operators. My Department has already conducted a number of meetings with vendors and mobile operators to help inform the process and identify what tangible measures can be taken. I expect that Minister Humphreys and I will bring proposals to Government by the end of 2016, on foot of the Taskforce's report.
