Mr. David Gunning:

I thank the Deputy for the question. The figure of 4,000 was never part of the plan. The plan was to get to approximately 2,000. The maximum number of people on site would be 1,900 or 1,950 from the contractor and all of the subcontractors. At present, as Mr. Devine mentioned earlier, we are up to approximately 1,900 to 2,000 people on the site, so we are a little bit short.

It is fair to say, and I acknowledge, that BAM has done a very good job in terms of implementing its Covid protocols on entry onto the site. It is constructing mess or hygiene facilities and other services to look after staff members. I acknowledge the very good work it has done on this. Now that these facilities are in place, the capacity of the site to take on more workers and allow more people into the site becomes realistic.

I would also like to say that from the board's perspective, the health and safety of all people on site, whether with regard to Covid or the safety of construction sites issues, are of critical importance and we would never want the contractor to take any risks that would in any way impair the health and safety of anyone, from Covid or otherwise.