Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

Regarding the borrowing level, the figure of €20 million was deemed appropriate by the Minister for Finance, myself and the Government in our discussions on the draft legislation. I confirm that it can be amended by order under section 36 of the 1998 Act. That figure can, therefore, be changed with the consent of the Minister and the authority could, if appropriate, request that it wants the ceiling raised. Borrowing limits are always the preserve of the Minister for Finance and this should not be seen as anything other than a technical arrangement in terms of Shannon.