Written answers

Wednesday, 6 November 2019

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

National Broadband Plan

Photo of Barry CowenBarry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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165. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the inconsistency in two responses (details supplied) on the position regarding the conferring of preferred bidder status and the ability to end the tender for the national broadband plan without signing a contract. [45778/19]

Photo of Barry CowenBarry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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174. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the inconsistency in two responses (details supplied) on the position regarding the conferring of preferred bidder status and the ability to end the tender for the national broadband plan without signing a contract. [45777/19]

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 174 together.

The two engagements with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment referenced by the Deputy reflect the position set out in the National Broadband Plan procurement documents, most notably the Project Information Memorandum (PIM) published by my Department. The PIM states clearly that there is no obligation to reimburse any Bidder, regardless of whether or not the procurement results in the award of a contract. The procurement process is ongoing and continues until contract award.

The Government Decision of 7 May 2019 means that it is intended to award the State Intervention contract for the NBP to the Bidder. This award is subject to the completion of the final stage of the procurement process, including finalisation of financial and legal documents.

I understand my officials, in the course of their detailed and comprehensive engagements with the Joint Oireachtas Committee, sought to provide the maximum amount of information, including with regard to the status of the preferred bidder.

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