Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will outline our problem so that Mr. Hendrick will understand where we are coming from. People in gap areas approach their public representatives. We go to Eir, which is the provider with fibre in the ground very close to the people seeking access. Eir gives us a simple answer. It tells us clearly that it is no longer the provider because it has completed the work in the area and it is not going back, and that the matter is for the new operator, NBI. The Chairman and I are asking Mr. Hendrick something. He actually gave me some encouragement, as I had not realised that there was a level of co-operation between NBI and Eir. In light of that co-operation, could NBI not sit down with Eir and come to a commercial agreement to expand the existing service to allow black spots to be connected, thereby closing the gap? Surely that is possible. Please, do not complicate this by telling me that NBI has to future proof. These areas are finished and have settled communities. There will be no further development or expansion in these black spots. Will Mr. Hendrick go away and think about this or talk to Eir?