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Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Communications management agency Bill

Summary

Deputy Howlin raised the promised communications management agency Bill and the timing of questions to the new Minister. The Taoiseach said the Bill would not be published this session and urged patience before questioning the new Minister.

As well as the national broadband Bill the Government has also promised a communications management agency Bill. Apparently, the purpose of the Bill is to create a single entity to manage the State's commercial communications contracts, including the national broadband contract, and to act as a centre of expertise in the State's commercial activities. It is a pity that agency was not in existence. Those of us who came into the Chamber last Thursday to put questions to the then Minister, Deputy Naughten, about the tender process for the national broadband plan were precluded from putting those questions. Will the Minister of State, Deputy Breen, who set up the private dinner with the then Minister, Deputy Naughten, make a statement to the House and be amenable to questions? Will the new Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment take questions on those matters later this week?

Comment on this
Leo Varadkar The Taoiseach Fine Gael

The heads of the Bill are in preparation but the Bill will not be published in this session. The Minister, Deputy Bruton, has not yet formally received his seal of office. People might give him a few weeks to get his feet under the desk and to figure things out before bringing him in for questions.

I appreciate how the theatre of politics works, but calling people in to answer a whole series of questions before they have had time to read themselves into their brief is, I think, a fruitless exercise.

Comment on this

Will it take a few weeks?

Comment on this
Leo Varadkar The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I am sure the Minister, Deputy Bruton, will be happy to answer questions, but I think it is only reasonable to give him at least a week or so to get on top of his new brief before he does.

Comment on this

He may have to be a speed-reader, Taoiseach.

Comment on this

He is already a member of the Government.

Comment on this

Can we have order for Deputy Coppinger, please?

Comment on this