National Broadband Ireland review
Catherine Murphy sought a debate on National Broadband Ireland, citing media concerns about opaque investment and the need to hold Government to account.
I sought time for a debate on National Broadband Ireland. Both The Currency and the Business Post have published very useful articles showing the opaque nature and the level of investment by the principals that would be a cause of concern for the stability of this important project. Last Sunday the Business Post reported that a review was to happen but it appears to have concluded at this stage. It is essential that we do our job in holding the Government to account. This is a very expensive project. It is important to have a debate in this House to examine the matter. It is also important that the contract is published in full. As there was no competitor, I cannot see where the commercial sensitivity is. It was agreed by Deputy Bruton when he was the Minister. That has not happened. We need to scrutinise this at this stage.