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7.9 Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier of the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee regarding a study of the fibre optic project undertaken by JT:
Does the Public Accounts Committee intend to undertake a study of the fibre-optic project undertaken by J.T. and, if so, when will this commence?
Deputy T.A. Vallois of St. Saviour (Chairman, Public Accounts Committee):
The Public Accounts Committee has been maintaining a watching brief on Gigabit Jersey throughout 2013. This subject was last discussed on 8th July. Preliminary requests for background information have been submitted to the Treasury and Resources Department and the Public Accounts Committee expects to receive a response imminently. The Public Accounts Committee has secured initial briefings from both J.T. and the Treasury and Resources Department on this project. The questioner will be aware that the Public Accounts Committee are currently conducting 2 reviews which are live, monitoring progress with the previous review, and are set to reveal terms of reference for the integrated care record system implemented by the Health and Social Services Department. We are also aware that we have to leave capacity to consider reports produced by the new Comptroller and Auditor General, whose own work programme is now well and truly under way. Governance of Jersey Telecom is already cited in the C. and A.G.'s (Comptroller and Auditor General's) published audit plan as a topic for review in the period 2013 to 2014.
- Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier:
I am much indebted to the chairman for that comment and I know if it emanates from her mouth something will happen quickly. Could the chairman confirm that they have received the business plan as part of their preparatory work, the business plan that accompanies the fibre- optic project, and that that will be of assistance in enabling them to make a decision?
Deputy T.A. Vallois:
I can confirm that we have not received the business case as yet. However, we have received the Oxera report based on the business case.
- Deputy J.M. Maçon:
Within this, the chairman said that there was a watching brief over this project. Can the chairman confirm whether or not - as has been made to me, comments or allegations - J.T. has not been removing the copper fibre as it has been going and the people who are installing the fibre-optics have not been removing the copper and recycling it in order to make the most of the assets? Has that been made or brought to her attention?
Deputy T.A. Vallois:
P.A.C. (Public Accounts Committee) has been made aware by many stakeholders with a range of reviews on the execution of the Gigabit Jersey project. However, as P.A.C. have not fulfilled the terms of reference for this review as yet, I am unable to confirm with Deputy Maçon as to whether it is an area we will be looking into explicitly.
- Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier:
Would the chairman not say that it was highly unusual that a project of such magnitude appears to have started without a business plan having been put in place? Would she not say that that rung enormous alarm bells with the P.A.C.?
Deputy T.A. Vallois:
I am unable to confirm whether there is or is not a business case in place. As I have stated, P.A.C. have requested a business case and we are waiting for the Treasury and Resources Department or Jersey Telecom to come forward with the necessary information.