My Department has agreed a fixed price of €27,000 per annum with the first-named company referred to by the Deputy to provide 20 sailings annually using the vessel referred to by the Deputy. The company has also agreed to provide any additional sailings required, subject to my prior consent, at a cost of €1,200 each. The issue of fuel usage or cost does not arise, therefore, in the case of sailings provided using this vessel. A Fuel Price Variation Clause applies in the case of sailings provided by the other main vessel that is contracted to provide the service in this case. In order to evaluate the company's entitlements under this Clause, my Department obtains independently certified documentation from the company's accountants on fuel prices and usage associated with those sailings.