Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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Is it correct that the financial aspect of the contract for the roll-out of broadband was based on a 60% take-up by customers? What has been the take-up to date? What does NBI believe the take-up will be? If take-up is less than 60%, could there be an additional cost to the State? I know it is a fixed-price contract and there has been great work on the ground, but the committee also has a wider, macro remit, as Mr. Malone will appreciate. This contract comes at a great cost to the taxpayer and will be of great benefit when it is rolled out. I ask for an answer to that question because I have to probe that issue. Is the financial model built on a 60% take-up by consumers? Will NBI reach that target and, if not, is there a contingency whereby there may be additional costs to the State? The scenario is similar to the tolled motorways and road tunnels when the State had to pay a subsidy if a certain volume of traffic was not achieved. I am not sure if Mr. Malone or Mr Hendrick should answer the question.