Vol. 554 No. 5
441 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Finance the tax incentives in place which encourage investment in open access broadband infrastructure; his plans to put incentives in place to further encourage such investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17147/02]
There are currently no tax incentives in place for investment in open access broadband infrastructure. The primary responsibility for public policy in the telecommunications sector, including broadband, rests with the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and various proposals are being pursued at present to facilitate the development of broadband infrastructure through funding provided under the national development plan. In the circumstances, I have no plans for the provision of additional State assistance in this area by way of tax incentives.
