Ms Geraldine Tallon:

I will provide a note to the committee on the Cork treatment plant. I cannot comment on this at this stage. I am very surprised and astounded by the use of language such as coercion by the Department. I will certainly investigate the matter and provide a note to the committee as far as that plant is concerned. The plant is operating efficiently. In operational costs, it was €5.47 million in 2009, €5 million in 2010 and €5.2 million in 2011. The operational costs vary a little bit. My figures show me, however, that the operational cost has reduced significantly between 2009 and 2010.