Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am also responsible for answering questions on the timelines associated with the Government rolling out high-speed broadband to non-commercial areas as soon as possible and meeting with the targets set out under the digital agenda for Europe. The Department is required to keep the Minister and the Government informed of the progress, timelines and the likely cost implications for the State.

As for the meeting in New York, the procurement process is in no way compromised by my attendance at a dinner that took place on 16 July. The short discussion was of an administrative nature. There was one remaining bidder in the procurement process. The meeting was before the final tender was received on 18 September, and no member of the NBP procurement team was present, as it was not an NBP meeting. I understand that the evaluation of the final tender received is currently ongoing and we should allow for the process to be completed.

On a number of occasions, colleagues in the House have commented on how long and protracted the process is. It started at the end of 2015. There is an insinuation that I as Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment should not have met anyone in any way associated with the national broadband plan from my appointment in 2016 until a decision has been made.

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