Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate it, a Chathaoirligh. People can see the collegiality with which the committee operates.

I will start with Mr. Peter Walsh. On some level with eMOS there is probably an element of being won over in the sense of a variable speed limit. There is not much point in asking the TII representatives whether this will be reviewed in the sense that this will be on the basis of minute by minute and hour by hour. This will be reviewed on every timeline from the point of view of producing best results in real time. We have all been on the M50 when it has been in free flow and when it has been a car park. Obviously, if there were applicability to other serious parts of infrastructure in future, it is something that will come and that needs to be welcomed.

There is an element of this that relates to the providers. The TII representatives mentioned algorithms that will be operated for best-case scenarios. There might even be some artificial intelligence and learning so that what works one day is improved for the next day. I am seeking an answer in respect of providers and whether they have been tried and tested in doing work like this previously. I am keen to ensure we get the best bang for our buck. There have been various difficulties at times with State procurement of IT systems and we should try to avoid that.

The TII representatives might have to reply to me in writing in answer to another question. It has nothing to do with this topic and I apologise for that. The issue was brought up to me by National Broadband Ireland, NBI, and Eir. It relates to TII and local authorities when they deal with infrastructure. One example is when there is a plan put in place for poles. Then, site investigation forces a change and there is a requirement for a new road opening licence. That can involve a delay of between two to eight weeks at times. Obviously, that can be significant. Could this be streamlined to a degree? At this stage I would like to think that even the Department of Transport has had communication with TII on the matter. I am talking about where planning permission is signed off in the end. It is simply that we do not need necessary works being held up, especially as regards the roll-out of broadband and communication systems. If I have time, I will go to Ms Graham with another question.