Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 May 2004
90 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will report on the stage of the Management Services Entity procurement process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13700/04]
View answerThe Management Services Entity is the independent body, engaged to manage, market and maintain the fibre optic metropolitan area networks, being constructed under the regional broadband programme. Notice of my Department's intention to commence a competitive tender process for the engagement of an Management Services Entity was published in the Official Journal of the European Communities on 19 June 2003 with the deadline for tender submission on 15 August 2003. Responses received by the tender deadline were evaluated by December 2003 and contract negotiations began in January 2004. It is anticipated that the Management Services Entity procurement process will reach a conclusion shortly. It is not proposed to make any public comment on the matter, prior to such a conclusion.
