The Minister's reply is a little disconcerting. For some time we have been asking him about the increased cost to the consumer. The document he published did not show what the increased cost of the MMDS system would be to the consumer. Is the Minister satisfied that the consumer will be able to bear the enromous increased cost involved with this system?

There is a question on the Order Paper in relation to cost. As I said in reply to many questions, I expect the MMDS charges to be of the same order as the most modern cable systems. I gave that reply in the past and my expectation has not changed in that regard. It is anticipated that there will be a connection charge of about £100 and the annual fee will also be about £100 per consumer — that is on the basis of the applications I have received. I do not believe that is excessive in view of the wide range of choice that will be available in rural Ireland, which will be similar to the choice that is available in urban Ireland. I believe the people in rural Ireland are entitled to that choice. I do not see why a person in some part of Clare should have any less range of service than a person living in Dún Laoghaire.