National Broadband Plan

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2019

Tuesday, 5 November 2019

Questions (834)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

834. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has undertaken the process of due diligence in respect of a person (details supplied) and their former businesses and-or enterprises in the context of the national broadband plan; if concerns were raised during this process; if so, the way in which he and-or his officials dealt with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44247/19]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Richard Bruton)

The Government appointed National Broadband Ireland (NBI) as the Preferred Bidder for the National Broadband Plan (NBP) in May 2019. Since then my officials have been performing the necessary financial and contractual due diligence work needed before a contract can be awarded. The Department’s work is well progressed and, pending Government approval, I expect that the contract will be signed before the end of the year after which deployment will commence.