Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That is helpful. At prequalification, the financial side of the consortium is coming through Granahan McCourt and Enet, as the key subcontractor, has a proven track record of being able to deliver as an operator in the system with operational knowledge of this type of project.

Mr. McCarthy must be the most modest person ever to have appeared at the Committee of Public Accounts because there was a press release from the Minister yesterday announcing a 50% cut in the rate Enet will charge for fibre, from €5 to €2.60 per metre. That is a phenomenal reduction in price and it is remarkable that Mr. McCarthy did not make a reference to it. He is here to discuss MANs and maybe his script was prepared before this announcement was made. In any event, we were very pleased to announce this price reduction for the operating demands network and its customers at the Committee of Public Accounts this morning. What was the timing of the cut and how did it come about? Some customers were thrilled at the good news which they heard overnight.