Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I ask for a final clarification on the role of the Department of Finance in the delivery of the broadband plan and contract, ultimately to homes. There was a cost-benefit analysis in the first place, which the Minister acknowledged was in the region of €500 million in respect of the Government's contribution. According to the Taoiseach, it now transpires that the level of expenditure on the part of the State will be more in line with €3 billion, which is six times the original estimate. Am I to believe the Minister's representative on the Office of Government Procurement, OGP, has not yet informed him of the likely overrun in this area? Surely, the Minister was informed given that the Taoiseach can say it will be €3 billion over 25 years. What level of discussion, thinking or process was involved to allow him to give that answer in the Dáil the other day? I just want to be sure and certain, as taxpayers should be, that the Minister and his Department are on top of this and aware of what is going on and that they acknowledge the difficulties within the procurement process which mean it is now six times the original estimate provided by Government. Is the Minister actively engaged in resolving this issue?

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