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                                                                 EXHIBIT 23.1(A)


INFORMATION REGARDING CONSENT OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

     As previously disclosed in the Company's Form 8-K filed on May 7, 2002, the
Company replaced Arthur Andersen LLP as its independent public accountants and
announced that the Company had appointed Ernst & Young LLP as its independent
auditors.

     After reasonable efforts, the Company was unable to obtain the written
consent of Arthur Andersen LLP to incorporate by reference its report dated July
31, 2002.

     The absence of this consent may limit recovery against Arthur Andersen LLP
under Section 11 of the Securities Act. In addition, as a practical matter, the
ability of Andersen to satisfy any claims (including claims arising from Arthur
Andersen LLP's provision of auditing and other services to the Company and
Arthur Andersen LLP's other clients) may be limited due to recent events
regarding Arthur Andersen LLP, including without limitation its conviction on
federal obstruction of justice charges arising from the federal government's
investigation of Enron Corp.