Mr. T.J. Malone:

We have framework agreements in place with all our contractors. Contractors are split across design and build. We have three design contractors and four build contractors. We are looking to bring additional build contractors onto the pitch to help. There is a shortage of labour in the market in general. We have close relationships with our contractors. We give them forecasts of what is coming and when it is coming. Many of our contractors are working with outsourced recruitment agencies and internal agencies on the ground in different countries around Europe looking for labour and bringing it into the country in respect of places where there are shortages. They are also engaged with some universities, including Technological University Dublin and Kerry college, where apprenticeships are being run over 18 and 20 weeks in which they go through specific design for fibre-optic-related and civil engineering-related activities in the field. They are working with them and putting some of their own people through that.

On cost, we have frameworks and agreements in place with the contractors in respect of rates for set periods. Over the periods when they come up, we review the rates up or down with them, depending on where the market is. NBI's contract is on the basis that whatever the envelope is from subsidy, we have to work within that regardless of rising costs.