Mr. Mark Griffin:

The Deputy is focusing on one of about ten bullet points. In the other eight or nine there is a string of advantages not related to the one quoted by the Deputy. Circumstances change during the course of a procurement process, some of which are outside our control. At all stages we re-evaluated where we were at and what the implications of a change in circumstances would be for the contract. The stocktaking process led to decisions being taken and we are now in a position to finalise the procurement process. Whatever will emerge will go to the Minister and the Government which will make the necessary decisions in the interests of the taxpayer, in both urban and rural Ireland.