David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Griffin. I want to start with broadband provision. A number of my colleagues have raised issues and I have listened patiently to the responses. I imagine that the witnesses are aware of the perception, even if they do not agree with it, that it has turned into a bit of a mess. The matter is very complex and convoluted in terms of the companies involved in the various processes, but on the face of it, for some, it seems to be a bit of a mess. It was also the perception because a Minister had resigned. I am not saying whether that was right or wrong, but obviously it added to the complexity, problems and perception. There was a perception that the process might have been contaminated. Of course, I am not saying that is the case or that the witnesses would agree with it because I am just talking about perceptions. There is a perception problem and it all seems to be a bit of a mess. Those for whom I have most concern are the people living in rural Ireland who want connectivity. I have heard my party leader ask time and again why it cannot be done. Why are we talking about this issue over and over again without delivery? There is real frustration in that regard.

I have very straightforward questions and want the witnesses to help me to understand the process and challenge me on the perception because, unfortunately, it is one I share partially. Perhaps they might help me as the meeting progresses and I put my questions. When was the national broadband plan first put in place and how many households was it envisaged would form part of it?