Ms Gillian Roche:

The arrangements across countries can be very specific and that is why EUROSTAT has an overarching role in ensuring consistency. It was identified by us as an area of control. While EUROSTAT has not commented in detail yet on our decision, it has indicated its agreement. In fact, it was something EUROSTAT mentioned in the discussions during the dialogue visit last January. If there is an inconsistency it will address that, but it will not be by an amendment to our decision.

The Deputy asked about the risk exposure issue. One clear point is that under the new CALF arrangement with the payment availability agreement with the local authority, which provides the revenue for its borrowing, the local authority is a party to the lending agreement between the AHB and the financial institution.