National broadband network ownership
Brendan Howlin questions the proposed 26-year, privately owned broadband model and seeks parliamentary involvement. The Taoiseach says Cabinet chose it for substantial savings, with independent regulation ensuring access, and agrees it can be discussed in the House or committee.
I understand from media reports that the Government decided to fund the roll-out of broadband with a model called the gap funded model, which I understand from the "News at One" entails a 26-year contract and that the network will be privately owned at the end of the 26 years. It is very redolent of the way we built the west link toll bridge when the Government ended up buying back the toll bridge after 26 years, amazingly enough, for €600 million although it cost €36 million to build. When in Government we had an agreement that we would safeguard the delivery systems of vital infrastructure such as gas and electricity and protect those networks. Will the Taoiseach agree the broadband network is as intrinsically important to the State as gas or electricity? Is this decision of Cabinet irrevocable? In the new minority Government situation can we have a debate about it in this House? Will the decision be communicated to the House by way of a debate, motion, or legislation?
Comment on this
The Cabinet approved the recommendation of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources this morning on a form of ownership of the network that will be the most cost efficient in terms of savings to the State of about €1 billion over the period. This is not a publicly owned network as the Deputy is aware.
Comment on this
This is an extension of a network that is privately owned. Obviously the important issue here is that independent regulation will allow for full use and access for the benefit of consumers in respect of that. There was quite a deal of discussion between the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on the various models being put on the table in respect of a decision being made. Cabinet decided this morning on a particular model of ownership.
Comment on this
Can we be involved in that discussion?