Mr. Owen Keegan:

As detailed in my submission, we must first emerge unscathed from the complaints to the EU. Two complaints have been made and have been with the EU for some considerable time. We need to get a definitive determination from the EU on the complaints. Then, I do not anticipate a great delay in finalising the project agreement. All documentation must be independently reviewed by the National Development Finance Agency. If it certifies that it represents value for money, there is a prospect that the project can proceed. If it is not certified, the project is finished. I have given a commitment to go to the elected members with a full report, including the project agreement. I have said we will give them the opportunity to make their views known. Finally, assuming there is a value for money certificate from the National Development Finance Agency and the project board, which involves the Department's approval, it will be a matter for the managers to sign a revised project agreement, and the project will go ahead, or they will not sign it.