Dr. Dónal Palcic:

On the figures they are sending in terms of the value of the fibre, we do not know. They have obviously come up with a residual value. The figure for what the value of this network will be has been redacted. If the residual value of the network is higher in the future, then there will be a clawback to the State. We do not know what is that estimated residual value.

The Senator and Deputy Eamon Ryan asked a series of questions on the lifespan of fibre. I do not think people yet know what will be the full lifespan of fibre. ComReg applied a 20-year lifespan in the context of the depreciation rates. Some industry guys state that it could be 25 or 40 years. At some stage, the fibre will have to be replaced. The optical equipment, the active technology, has to be refreshed-----