Results 7,501-7,520 of 26,021 for speaker:Kieran O'Donnell

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Broadband Plan Update: National Broadband Ireland (27 Jan 2022)

Kieran O'Donnell: No, I am not saying that, but they are being brought in for a completely different purpose, namely, to take the staff who have worked on the network roll-out, paid for by the State for the roll-out period. I am not denying it is great they will get employment elsewhere, but the question I am asking is why do this now. Why would we do something that may have the consequences of, in some way,...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Broadband Plan Update: National Broadband Ireland (27 Jan 2022)

Kieran O'Donnell: If NBI brings in a long-term partner, Mr. Hendrick is not talking about that partner going in instead of some of the existing investors.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Broadband Plan Update: National Broadband Ireland (27 Jan 2022)

Kieran O'Donnell: It is about NBI then.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Broadband Plan Update: National Broadband Ireland (27 Jan 2022)

Kieran O'Donnell: It is not about a standalone or about bringing in an investor who would be in a vehicle alongside NBI and when NBI is concluded the staff would go with that vehicle and work elsewhere?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Broadband Plan Update: National Broadband Ireland (27 Jan 2022)

Kieran O'Donnell: Mr. Hendrick is talking about bringing in a partner who would give the same financial commitment but he is talking about replacing some of the existing partners.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Broadband Plan Update: National Broadband Ireland (27 Jan 2022)

Kieran O'Donnell: Do some of them wish to step out?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Broadband Plan Update: National Broadband Ireland (27 Jan 2022)

Kieran O'Donnell: Okay. Effectively, with respect to the €223 million to which NBI committed, it is about getting some of these new investors to step into that position. However, Mr. Hendrick believes they will bring added value in terms of their expertise and post NBI finishing, there will be another future with them for the long term.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Broadband Plan Update: National Broadband Ireland (27 Jan 2022)

Kieran O'Donnell: It took us a long time to get there, but I get it now. When people see investors changing they become wary and one would ask why people are leaving. Are people leaving because they see investment in NBI being too risky? Has NBI had discussions with the Department? How big of a changeover will it be in the funds that have been committed? Some €223 million has been committed and...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Broadband Plan Update: National Broadband Ireland (27 Jan 2022)

Kieran O'Donnell: The question I am asking is whether there is sufficient commitment on funding to ensure that in no circumstances will the commitment to the €223 million in any way not be in place before NBI makes a replacement with some other investor. Obviously, that would have to go through a due diligence process. I presume NBI has had discussions with the Department to date on it. Has NBI had...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Broadband Plan Update: National Broadband Ireland (27 Jan 2022)

Kieran O'Donnell: I assume David McCourt would continue to be the majority shareholder.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Broadband Plan Update: National Broadband Ireland (27 Jan 2022)

Kieran O'Donnell: Is it a very big investor that is looking to divest?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Broadband Plan Update: National Broadband Ireland (27 Jan 2022)

Kieran O'Donnell: Is it fair to say that NBI is looking for a telecommunications or broadband partner in the investment area?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Broadband Plan Update: National Broadband Ireland (27 Jan 2022)

Kieran O'Donnell: Mr. Hendrick believes it will make NBI even more secure.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Broadband Plan Update: National Broadband Ireland (27 Jan 2022)

Kieran O'Donnell: What would this new investment bring?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Broadband Plan Update: National Broadband Ireland (27 Jan 2022)

Kieran O'Donnell: We are going to discuss that-----

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Broadband Plan Update: National Broadband Ireland (27 Jan 2022)

Kieran O'Donnell: It would have to show a commercial loss to NBI.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Broadband Plan Update: National Broadband Ireland (27 Jan 2022)

Kieran O'Donnell: No. We cannot go through everything.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Broadband Plan Update: National Broadband Ireland (27 Jan 2022)

Kieran O'Donnell: Would it be fair to say that the issue at that level is more about the ducting than the poles?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Broadband Plan Update: National Broadband Ireland (27 Jan 2022)

Kieran O'Donnell: That is about it. I want to conclude by 4.30 p.m. to be fair to the witnesses.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Broadband Plan Update: National Broadband Ireland (27 Jan 2022)

Kieran O'Donnell: We are due to conclude. I thank the witnesses for attending. It has been worthwhile. We have clarified a large number of points about the roll-out. NBI has advanced considerably in terms of the surveys, the design and the number of builds under way. The issue is with the roll-out to premises. Perhaps the witnesses will reflect on that and revert to us about what else can be done. We...