Ms Caroline Timmons:

I thank the Senator for the questions. In the first instance, he mentioned the need to be flexible as the scheme evolves. I will mention the fact a review within three years is already built into the general scheme. In the meantime, many things could happen. We are very conscious of IS 465 and the reviews that are ongoing. The Minister has already expressed his willingness to look at how we might need to change the scheme as time moves on. The Senator will find the Department is in the exact same position as the Minister on that front.

I will hand over to my colleague, Mr. Benson, on the matter of when the Department was first made aware of the Donegal block issue. He might also answer the question on the NSAI and give an update on that.