Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I accept that the taxpayer is protected in the event of failure. The Department and the Minister have been at pains to point out that no moneys will be transferred until work is completed but I am also mindful of those citizens who are waiting for broadband and how any failure of the company will adversely affect the broadband roll-out period. KPMG examined a number of alternatives and, on page 38 of its report, it refers to the fact that a significant body of literature exists on models to deliver similar projects, with international examples that the company had examined. Did particular countries do this differently, about which KPMG might be able to advise us? Today is not about an inquisition of KPMG but about trying to understand whether what is about to happen is the best way forward or whether there are alternatives that we, as a Legislature, should consider in respect of the speed and rate at which broadband can be rolled out to the people who are waiting for it. We also want to determine if what is proposed represents best value for money for the taxpayer.