Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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I welcome our witnesses. This is a huge contract. It is a massive undertaking. It is very complex with regard to technology and logistics. I thank the witnesses for their willingness to share information, to engage with us and to keep the public informed of progress.

I do not have to state it, but the performance and delivery of NBI is crucial to the lives of the many thousands of people who require high-speed broadband. It is also vital in terms of our ability to grow the economy, particularly in the context of an emphasis on regional development. As a Deputy who represents a rural constituency, I know the lack of broadband connectivity is having very negative impacts on the ability of rural communities to remain sustainable. As a result, the work of NBI is absolutely vital.

Mr. Malone made two big statements. He indicated that NBI may be looking at recovering the time that has been lost due to the Covid delays. I ask him to confirm that is what he is saying. He mentioned that, under the contract, NBI has relief on time. In other words, it is contractually bound to deliver within a specified time but, because of the impact of Covid, it will get some relief in that regard. It hopes to make up that time, however.

Mr. Malone also mentioned that it is a fixed-price contract. All those who are in business are aware that there is currently a shortage of materials. The cost of materials has increased. In some instances, manufacturers and suppliers are taking advantage of the Covid shortage to hike up prices. Is Mr. Malone saying that those cost increases have to be covered by NBI and will not be passed on? Are they covered under the existing contract?

There is massive frustration and, at times, anger in rural Ireland when people see that their neighbour across the road or a short distance up the road has broadband but they do not. There are gap areas. At previous meetings of the committee Mr. Malone undertook to look at this and see how NBI can contribute to bringing a service to those people who are caught in the gap areas. Can he indicate the timescale in terms of the progress by NBI on this matter? Is NBI getting co-operation from the other networks in terms of assisting each other to provide that service?

Finally, the natural question for me to ask is what level of engagement and co-operation is NBI receiving from Tipperary County Council? Mr. Malone does not have to answer that today but if he can, I would appreciate it. Across Tipperary, how many houses have been surveyed and how many have been passed and released? When does Mr. Malone expect numbers to be connected?