PAC to discuss National Broadband Plan

The agenda for the meeting is as follows:

• Appropriation Accounts 2017 Vote 29: Communications, Climate Action and
Environment

• C&AG Report 2017 Chapter 8: Measures relating to Cyber Security

• C&AG Report 2017 Chapter 9: The Energy Efficiency National Fund

• Matters related to the National Broadband Plan
Officials from Dept. of Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Officials from Dept. of Defence
Representatives from An Garda Síochána

PAC Chairman, Seán Fleming, said today, “The ongoing delays over the rollout of high speed broadband to rural Ireland continues to impact communities across the country. Tomorrow the Committee will examine the 2017 accounts of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, as well as the C&AG’s chapters on Cyber Security and the National Energy Efficiency Fund. The C&AG noted that expenditure on broadband in 2017 was €15.02m compared with €20.5m provided. The explanation provided for the underspend is that the saving was due, in the main, to lower than anticipated expenditure in respect of the ongoing complex procurement process for the National Broadband Plan.

“The chapter on Cyber Security reviews the progress which has been made since the establishment of the National Cyber Security Centre within the Department. Chapter 9 examines how State funds from the €35 million Energy Efficiency National Fund (EENF) were invested in a qualifying investor fund by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment. The examination points out that the expected significant investment in energy efficiency projects has not been achieved. The complex investment vehicle used resulted in a disproportionately high level of costs to date.”

The meeting will start at 9am in Committee Room 3, Leinster House.

Committee proceedings can be viewed live here