Derek McDowell (Labour)

I would like to have details of that. Negotiations have not been completed but I assume those difficult issues have been dealt with. This is important in assessing the value of the deal. The contract has been awarded to BetEire Flow, a consortium linked to Sanef. I am unclear as to how this will work. A figure of €113 million has been cited, which I assume to be set up costs. Will BetEire Flow continue to be responsible for collecting tolls thereafter? What deal is the State entering with BetEire Flow in respect of responsibility for maintaining the area of land around the toll booths and the price that can be charged? We need this information to assess how good a deal the State is getting.

The idea of the default toll is interesting. The Minister referred to Vancouver. Planners expect 10% of users to default but this will fall over time.