Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 26 May 1998

Vol. 491 No. 3

Written Answers. - Telecommunications Facilities.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

31 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures, if any, she is taking, in liaison with other Departments, to ensure that the IDA can offer sufficient telecommunications bandwidth to multinational companies wishing to base company internet and other IT facilities in Ireland. [12117/98]

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

89 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the analysis consultancy report for Forfás on broadband telecommunications investment in Ireland on the telecommunications network and the costs to Irish business; and the way in which she will implement that report. [12147/98]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Miss Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 89 together.

The recent Forfás report on Broadband Telecommunications Investment in Ireland, which includes recommendations regarding bandwidth, makes a significant contribution to the consideration of telecommunications investment in the State and its impact on industrial development.

The conclusions in the report are now being considered by the Minister for Public Enterprise. My Department continues to collaborate with the Department of Public Enterprise, other relevant Departments and the industrial development agencies in an ongoing effort to enhance the contribution of telecommunications services to the competitiveness of Ireland and Irish business.

Of course, the announcement by the Government of the decision to end Telecom Éireann's monopoly on voice telephony by the end of this year or one year ahead of schedule will contribute significantly to the development of a fully competitive telecommunications market in this country and will lead to benefits in terms of quality of service and reduced costs.