Vol. 505 No. 1
106 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the extent to which she has identified the need for further investment in telecommunications with particular reference to current developments in the industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13320/99]
The Deputy is aware that the provision of telecommunications infrastructure is primarily a matter for operators in the newly liberalised telecommunications market.
Recognising that in certain regions of the country, competition alone will not provide the required broadband telecommunications infrastructural investment, I recently sought proposals for the development of advanced communications networks and services which might be co-funded by the European Union. A number of proposals have been received and are currently being independently evaluated.
In addition, my Department, together with Forfás, is currently preparing estimates of further funding requirements to ensure nation-wide broadband connectivity. All regions will be considered in this review.
