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Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, has called for a nationwide independent report for broadband services to determine whether it was compromised after revealing details of new private dinners between Denis Naughten and the broadband service provider gang.
In the Dáil this afternoon, Mr Varadkar described the interactions between Mr Naughten and David McCourt, the American businessman involved in the call for proposals relating to the broad plan gang.
Taoiseach says that he asked Denis Naughten to think about his position after learning that he had had four private dinners with the broadband provider. pic.twitter.com/QZp4rxDZLH
– RTÉ News (@rtenews) October 11, 2018
Mr Varadkar stated that he had been informed last night by Mr Naughten of a private dinner he had attended at Mr McCourt in 2017.
This dinner was hosted by Minister Pat Breen, who was also present.
This morning, Mr. Naughten told Mr. Varadkar that he had at least three other private dinners with Mr. McCourt. No manager was present and no meeting minutes were drafted.
Mr. Varadkar also informed the Dáil that he had met Mr. McCourt in the United States last March at a public event, but that the broadband project had not been forthcoming. discussed.
Mr Naughten resigned as Minister of Communication, Action for Climate and Environment today in the wake of the controversy.
The Taoiseach said Richard Bruton was to temporarily take over the portfolio of communications, climate action and the environment.
Mr. Naughten made a brief statement to the Dáil this afternoon before leaving the room.
He told the Dáil that after meeting Taoiseach last night, it was clear from the meeting that he did not trust him.
During the meeting, he proposed to hand over the national broadband plan to state minister Sean Kyne. However, he stated that Taoiseach had refused the offer and asked him to take his position into account.
He told Dáil: "For my family, my constituents and 1.1 million people waiting for this essential [broadband] service, to the ordinary people of rural Ireland, I gave my resignation to Taoiseach. "
"If I was cynical, which I am not, I think the result is more about polls than telecommunication poles, it's more about optics than optical fiber.
"The fact is, as a minister, I have to meet with investors, be it in telecommunications, energy, or any other sector, the people who are creating jobs in this country.
"This is the context in which I had discussions with Mr. McCourt and that should be seen."
Mr. Naughten said he was "absolutely convinced" that he was not interfering in the procurement process.
Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl paid tribute to Denis Naughten.
"I think it can be said on behalf of all members that this is a sad opportunity and all who knew Denis Naughten knew him to be a decent, committed and honest man, what whatever its policy – differences that people might have, I do not think anyone can challenge this situation. "
Yesterday, it appeared that Mr. Naughten had paid Mr. McCourt's lunch at Leinster House last April.
Mr. Naughten confirmed yesterday that he had reserved Mr. McCourt and his family at Leinster House restaurant to organize a party.
Mr. Naughten did not attend lunch at that time.
He also said he had met Mr. McCourt on another occasion, at a meeting attended by the Secretary General and the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Communication on June 26.
Last week, the record of a dinner-meeting in New York showed that a ten-minute discussion had taken place between Mr. Naughten, head of the communications department, and Mr. McCourt.
Mr. McCourt did not address his remarks to the minister, but to a department official, according to official records.
Mr. Naughten was accompanied at dinner by his political advisor and three officials of his department.
Following the resignation of Mr. Naughten du Dáil, Labor Party leader Brendan Howlin suggested the adjournment of the debate as Mr. Naughten left the room.
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