Telecommunications Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 November 2006

Tuesday, 21 November 2006

Ceisteanna (86)

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

124 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the further discussions he has had with State or semi-State bodies such as ESB, Bord na Móna, Iarnród Éireann and others in regard to the previously reported proposal to provide a State controlled telecommunications network to facilitate the advancement of broadband and state of the art telecommunications technology in general; if costings have been undertaken on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38805/06]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

In April 2005 a team of advisors was engaged to examine the potential for enhancing and augmenting existing state owned infrastructure. This team submitted a Feasibility Report in December 2005. The report found that, while technically feasible, there would be considerable financial, legal, regulatory, operational and organisational challenges in harnessing and enhancing the existing state owned infrastructures. It is not my intention to publish the report given the extent of the commercially sensitive information contained in it.

My Department is considering options to enhance competitive backhaul connectivity.

Question No. 125 answered with QuestionNo. 94.

Question No. 126 answered with QuestionNo. 114.