Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for being late and missing some of the start of the meeting. I welcome Mr. Hendrick and Mr. Malone.

There will be three parts to my questioning. The slippage rate in the roll-out is a concern. Some 22% of homes have had connections built. I would like to hear more about NBI's commitment to get involved in deployments out in the field in Cork but also more generally. Our visits to the deployment areas were successful and gave us a great insight into what was required. In terms of selling what NBI is doing, though, the witnesses are being a little remiss in explaining to people the difficulties that NBI is encountering every day. I have seen its staff working in various areas and I compliment them on the work they are doing. From the committee's perspective, this programme is probably the 2022 version of rural electrification. It is a significant generational opportunity and challenge, and we have to get it right. People are crying out for broadband.

My first question is on NBI's plans to address the slippage rate.

I apologise for missing part of the presentation. I was in the Seanad.