Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Have they considered the success or otherwise of the gap funded model used for broadband in the UK and Scotland? Have they looked at how that model worked there? That would be a valid comparative study. In fact, it would be the most valid comparison. A previous witness told the committee that in the UK, BT initially assessed a 20% take-up in the early years of the service, but the actual take-up was 40%.

This resulted in the Government being able to claw back a total of €700 million. Is a series of clawbacks not a good protection for the State? Does it not outweigh anything we might talk about in the context of a reversion of the asset at that point? Would it not be far more significant for us to be getting that clawback? My belief is intuitive and instinctive, and is based on my own professional background, anecdotal evidence and observation. The demand for the service will increase exponentially. I did a bit of history in the past. Initially there was almost a fear of the electric light and there was a limited take-up. Subsequently, the level of take-up skyrocketed and only total flat-earthers and people living on the margins of society as a result of various social vulnerabilities were left without electricity at the end of the process. I expect a similar process here, although, when saying that, I am gazing into a crystal ball. Based on the UK experience, could we not have optimism in that regard and in respect of the clawback? If our guests want me to repeat any of those questions, I will do so but I think they have them. For each of my questions there is a taxpayer who wants to know the answer.