Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 173: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the outside organisations working on the national broadband scheme; the amount that has been paid out to them since the start of the scheme; the reports and advice they have provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37149/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The procurement process for the NBS is being led by an Assistant Secretary and a Principal Officer and staffed by 3 full time personnel at Assistant Principal, Higher Executive Officer and Clerical Officer levels. ComReg, who are assisting with the development of the Scheme, also provide a full-time resource to the NBS Working Group. The person is providing project management and technical expertise.

The NBS Working Group is aided by additional specialist resources from both ComReg and the Department when required. In addition the Department engaged the following external legal, technical, financial and administrative advisory services:

Analysys Mason who provide technical, economic and commercial advice including preparation of numerous reports.

McCann Fitzgerald who provide legal advice on procurement matters relating to the scheme and are involved in the preparation of the procurement documentation and legal advices as required.

ERSI Ltd provided technical input relating to the preparation of the maps showing existing broadband coverage by service providers and the maps used in the procurement documentation.

Aneta Scieplek who provides administrative support to the NBS Working Group.

Prof. Jim Norton who is a member of the NBS Steering Committee responsible for decision making in relation to the NBS scheme.

Coyle Hamilton Willis who provided advice in relation to insurance provisions in the NBS procurement documentation.