The Taoiseach told us recently that the national broadband plan is being evaluated currently. We know that it is a critical project in terms of cost and roll-out. We have seen that where there is an inadequate process, there can be problems. One example I can highlight is the national children's hospital and the associated ballooning costs. If we are to avoid something similar with the national broadband plan, can the Government still stand over the Peter Smyth report knowing now how deferential that report was? Does the Government intend to return to the Dáil in advance of the granting or awarding of any tender to tell us what the cost will be and to address the certainty of the roll-out?

I assure the Deputy that great care will be taken in evaluating the tender that was submitted on 18 September to provide a national broadband plan. As the Deputy knows, the Government regards the delivery of high-speed broadband to every home and premises in the country as a high priority. We recognise that the process, as a result of the findings of Mr. Peter Smyth, is robust. Concerns were raised but Mr. Smyth has made it clear that the then Minister was not in a position to influence, and did not influence in any way, the procedure under which the contract proceeded and was evaluated.

We are in a position now to bring to Government as soon as possible a detailed assessment of what is being proposed. This will allow the Government to examine whether it represents value for money, whether the governance is robust and whether the technology is sufficiently robust so that we will be in a position to deliver what has been set as an objective. I assure Deputy Murphy that great care is being taken in this.