Vol. 557 No. 1
326 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the proportion of small business users and domestic users who have access to high speed data transmission networks both in Dublin and outside of Dublin; the take-up of the different forms of data transmission, for example fibre-optic cable, DSL and so on; and the level of access when the present round of investment is complete. [21475/02]
Access to high-speed data transmission or broadband penetration, mainly via DSL, in Ireland at the end of 2000 was 0.1 per 100 inhabitants, according to a recent OECD report which placed Ireland twenty-fifth in the league table of 26 countries in terms of broadband status. The Government wishes to see Ireland within the top 10% of OECD countries for broadband connectivity within the next three years. To accelerate the roll-out of services by the private sector my Department has run a number of programmes in recent years. 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. Thirteen projects which introduced broadband services nationwide to a value, consisting of both public and private funding, of €70 million were supported and are now completed. These projects entailed the roll-out of broadband services in the BMW region and the south and east.
328 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the cost for domestic and for small business users of access to high-volume rapid-speed data transmission networks here; the way in which this compares with costs in the UK and in Denmark and in other appropriate European countries. [21477/02]
334 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his Department will introduce measures to compel a company (details supplied) to provide flat-rate always-on Internet access to specific areas in a definite timescale given that this company (details supplied) has a monopoly for cable television and has been enabled by the regulator to substantially raise television fees on the basis that it would provide such a service. [21600/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 328 and 334 together.
The regulation of Internet charges is a matter for the Office of the Director of Telecommunications Regulation. However, I share the view that access to the Internet at competitive prices is vital in driving the information society and is a pivotal part of our development as an economy and as a society. In this context, I propose to issue a policy direction to the new Commission for Communications Regulation in accordance with the terms of the Communications Regulation Act, 2002. It is my intention that the direction will focus on a number of key policy priorities for the CCR in the short to medium term, including the introduction of flat-rate Internet access. The new commission will be established very shortly and following its establishment I will publish a draft of my policy direction for public consultation. I am confident that my initiative in this regard should bring about a substantial improvement on the current position in this area.
329 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on whether staffing levels at the new communications regulatory commission are adequate for the range of responsibilities being carried out by the commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21478/02]
The Commission for Communications Regulation must have the appropriate resources to carry out its functions properly. However, it is important that this is balanced against the need to ensure that the cost of regulation of the communications sector in Ireland is competitive compared to those costs in other EU member states. It is my intention to use my powers under section 20(3)(a) of the Communications Regulation Act, 2002, during 2003 to review the number, grading, remuneration and other conditions of staff in the Commission for Communications Regulation, taking into account the commission's use of and needs for consultancy services.
