Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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436. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount paid to a company (details supplied) for its reporting and consultancy in the context of works carried out regarding the national broadband plan, NBP, and the metropolitan area networks, MANs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52216/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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In considering whether to extend the existing agreements or retender for a new concessionaire at the end of the term of the Concession Agreements, a detailed review of the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) was undertaken by my Department in 2016.  Subsequently, my Department engaged Norcontel Consultants following a procurement process to undertake an external review of the financial aspects of extending or re-tendering the Concession Agreements.  Norcontel Consultants was paid €28,228 (incl VAT) in respect of this advice.  

Norcontel Consultants was not engaged as consultants on the National Broadband Plan.