Under a commitment in the programme for Government regarding the national broadband plan fibre to the home was to be delivered to those within the national broadband plan area by 2020. There are 540,000 households and businesses that still do not have broadband service. Three weeks ago, we had the fiasco of the resignation of the former Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Denis Naughten, following which the Government announced in a press release that it had commissioned a review of the plan by Mr. Peter Smith and that it would be completed in three weeks. The three weeks expired on Tuesday, 7 November. Has the Government received the report? Has the tendering process been compromised on foot of the meetings between the former Minister, Deputy Naughten, and Mr. McCourt, the remaining bidder? Does the Government propose to continue with this flawed sham of a process or does it have a plan B? Seven years ago, Sinn Féin put forward a plan B, involving the use of State infrastructure and a State company such as the ESB to provide the service. I am happy to note that in recent weeks Fianna Fáil has come around to that idea and that last weekend the Labour Party also moved to that position.

Does the Government have a plan B?

We all know the importance of broadband. It is as important as electricity and water to households and communities. The reality is that we are at least five years behind the UK and a decade behind Europe in regard to the roll-out of a broadband service. Last weekend, the Taoiseach said that he had a plan B in regard to this issue, following which the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Richard Bruton, said there is no plan B. Is there a plan B if the process is found to be flawed and, if so, what is it?

It is a cunning plan.

I am glad to hear Opposition parties coming out with ideas as to how we can use State agencies.

Sinn Féin made that proposal seven years ago.

Irish Water has been named as well. The parties that were calling for the abolition of Irish Water are now looking to it for solutions.

Do not mention Irish Water.

The Tánaiste should not mislead the Dáil.

The Peter Smith report, which is the report from the independent auditor of the process to determine the national broadband scheme in terms of tendering and procurement, is not available to Government yet. He is independent of Government and if he needs more time he needs to be given it, which the Minister, Deputy Bruton, confirmed yesterday.

When will the report be delivered?

The Government is anxious to receive his report and recommendations, which will deal with the integrity of the process comprehensively. As soon as we have that report, the House will be informed.