I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 to 170, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Credit Guarantee Act 2012 was passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas and signed into law by the President in July 2012. The Act was commenced and came into operation on 30 August 2012. I have now made, with the consent of my colleagues the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, a scheme under section 5 of the Act and officials in my Department are working on the final arrangements to launch the scheme. The scheme launch is imminent.
Regarding the cost of the operator, I announced last April that the contract for the practical oversight, management and operation of the scheme was awarded to Maynooth-based company Capita Asset Services following a competitive tendering process. It is expected that the annual cost under the contract will be €199,000.