Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

There really is a comparison here with the rural electrification programme. My grandfather worked on the Shannon electrification scheme, the massive hydropower project of the 1920s. It was his first job and he was employed by Siemens because it was Siemens that did the work. That company was brought in to do it. The work was not carried out by civil servants or even by a private Irish company. It was built by Siemens and that is the reality of what happened.

The Deputy has asked me again but I have twice told her how I can stand over this project. I can stand over it because of the benefits that it brings. It is a hugely beneficial project that every Deputy in this House knows is essential. Anybody who lives outside a major urban centres know that broadband is essential to people's quality of life and that is why I can stand over it.

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