Mr. Fergal Mulligan:

For at least the first eight years, the Minister must approve any such changes in shareholdings. Shareholding changes are allowed under the 25-year contract but they must go through the Department and Minister for approval. Within the first nine years, the Minister has a specific veto over any change of ownership or majority change of ownership should he or she have any issue with who a new owner might be in the context of honouring the contract. The most fundamental point is anybody looking to take a shareholding in NBI would have to meet the same responsibilities of the contract.