Delay in broadband decision justified, says Minister

The Communications Minister added that a huge amount of investigation has gone into the final tendering process of the National Broadband Plan.

The Communications Minister says the time delay for a decision on the future of the National Broadband Plan is justified.

A decision on whether or not to award the contract to the sole remaining bidder has been due for a number of months.

Richard Bruton added that a huge amount of investigation has gone into the final tendering process of the National Broadband Plan.

The controversial plan has promised to deliver high-speed broadband to over half a million premises.

Minster Bruton says they want the process to be thorough.

"We need to be able to assure the tax-payer that we have done all of the due diligence," he said.

"We're taking the proper care that's justified for an important project like this.

"We have set up exceptional evaluation processes because it wasn't the normal competitive tender," he explained. "No money has been spent by the State, we now have to make a decision as to whether we will go with that tender.

"I can assure you that a huge level of investigation has gone into the detail of this."