Dr. Paul McGowan:

The CRU takes its statutory functions very seriously. We have a very defined legislative role to fulfil relating to the high-efficiency CHP. Outside of that, we work to ensure that Ireland can meet its renewable targets. The certification of high efficiency requires a very narrow analysis based on the submission from the developer. We cannot advise the developer what to put in its application because the economic case has to come from the developer.

We shared our results with the developer in September last year. At the developer's request, the team decided to hold off on a decision to allow it to make further submissions. We have agreed to meet the developer to discuss the outcome and it is open to the developer to make a further application. Other applications are ongoing but we are familiar with the developer and the plant and we would look to progress any future application in the shortest possible time.

On the change of consultants, I reiterate what my colleague said. The consultant was out of contract and there was no other reason the consultant was changed on this application. We could not, under procurement rules, use that consultant any further.