Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2018
431. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if all expressions of interest in relation to the national broadband plan that did not submit a final bid in the tender process will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41199/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that 87 expressions of interest were received on the etenders portal from entities interested in the competition. The closing date for expressions of interest was 31 March 2016. In keeping with normal procurement practice it is not intended to publish details of those expressions of interest. Once a supplier expressed an interest, it could then access further documentation in relation to the procurement process. The fact that expressions of interest were made by entities interested in the project does not necessarily indicate that there was an intention to bid. For example, expressions of interest were received from a number of law firms, along with research and marketing agencies.
