Mr. Tom Costello:

The Deputy asked a number of questions. The bid was competitive; it was €131 million lower than the second bidder. The EU procurement rules are clear in terms of pre-qualification. Due to the complex nature of the project, we were anxious to get international bidders. We were fortunate, in that we had a shortlist of five bidders. We made a decision on the basis of cost and quality, so it was not all cost based. The criteria were 75% cost and 25% quality. Before bidding opened, we went through an assessment of quality. In fairness to all of the bidders, the quality of the bids submitted was outstanding. When the tendering process opened, the criteria on how to make an assessment were clear. One follows the rules for months and then awards a contract to the bidder that comes through the assessment of quality and cost. In this case, it was BAM. It was a competitive bid.

Due to the way we are structured-----