Simon Coveney
Ceist:91 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the measures he intends to take to ensure that Ireland remains competitive as a destination for e-business. [17072/02]
Priority Questions. - Telecommunications Services.
The provision of telecommunications services underlies the delivery of e-business services. The provision of such services is a matter in the first instance for the companies who now operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the independent Director of Telecommunications Regulation.
I recognise there are areas of the country that are not as economically attractive for private investment. Accordingly, my Department has undertaken a number of initiatives to rectify this. In 1999, under the National Development Plan, 1994-1999 and INTERREG II, €26.5 million was made available to support the roll-out of broadband to the regions. In July 1999, the Government entered into a contract with Global Crossing to greatly increase the levels of international connectivity between Ireland and the United States and 40 European centres. The cost of international connections from Ireland is now among the most competitive in Europe.
Over €200 million has been allocated to the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources under the communications and e-commerce measure of the National Development Plan 2000-2006 for investment in competitive advanced information and communications infrastructure and services.
The Government signed nine contracts with telecommunications operators in 2001 which will result in additional investment in the regions to be completed by the end of next year and will entail an overall investment of €160 million in broadband infrastructure leveraged from grant assistance of approximately €55 million.
We have also made a second call for proposals and this will be incorporated in the national broadband strategy which envisages the construction of metropolitan fibre and duct networks and co-location space in a number of towns around the country. The Government is also exploring the potential of satellite and wireless-based technologies.
This is my first opportunity in the House to wish the Minister well in his portfolio and I do so now.
Is the Minister aware that a European Commission study ranked Ireland last out of all 15 member states in the provision of broadband infrastructure across the country? Is he aware that the ODTR recently confirmed that Eircom now has 1,714 customers for its DSL broadband service? Figures from the British body, Oftel, confirm that there are more than one million customers using the British broadband service. Does the Minister accept we are now an uncompetitive country when it comes to the provision of communications infrastructure to attract inward investment?
When does the Minister intend to set up the new commission for communications regulation provided for in the Communications Regulation Act, 2002? When will he appoint up to three commissioners to that body? Does he intend to make Etain Doyle, director of the ODTR, chairperson of that commission and will that commission have enforcement powers in addition to those of the ODTR?
I accept we are starting from a fairly low base when it comes to broadband but within the general Dublin area we have very good coverage and connectivity in comparison to other European countries. It was for that reason the Government decided more than two years ago to embark on a strategy whereby broadband would be pushed out into the regions and that it would not be left up to private operators, particularly as it was suggested there might not necessarily be an economic case for pushing broadband into the regions. The Government therefore made a strategic decision somewhat similar to the broad strategy in Government policy to have balanced regional development. Quite apart from putting roads and other infrastructure into the regions, broadband connectivity is a key component that is nearly more important than roads or motorways and that is why the Government, in the national development plan, dedicated €200 million to this over the next few years. The Deputy is probably aware that one of the first contracts to be signed and on which work is to start is in Cork. It is probably one of the major contracts and involves approximately 20 initial projects under this, the second call for proposals. From that point of view this is rolling out as quickly as possible.
Regarding the three-person commission, the Deputy may have seen advertisements recently in the newspapers and there has been great interest in the positions of the two additional members. No decision has been made on this. Assessment of the applications will be made by the Local Appointments Commission and when that comes forward we will make a decision.