I wish to advise the Deputy that tendering for all aspects of broadband projects under the national development plan that are being rolled out across the country are conducted in accordance with the relevant public procurement guidelines currently in place. Moreover, any tender or procurement notices are published on www.etenders.gov.ie the website designed to be a central facility for all public sector contracting authorities to advertise procurement opportunities and award notices.
I am charged with managing the overall capital envelope for the broadband action plan which is currently €140 million for the years 2004 to 2007, as agreed with the Minister for Finance. The Department's resources under this programme are part funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the regional operational programmes and my Department reports on expenditure to the south and east regional assembly and the Border, midlands and west regional assembly as appropriate. The Accounting Officer of my Department monitors all spending across the range of sectoral areas within my Department on an ongoing basis.