Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Technically, the board is carrying the can. I do not mean it is financially carrying the can but that it was in situwhen this came to pass. Given that it has an opportunity to safeguard the assets, corporate governance involves assessed risks. I am sure it is a fundamental element of the board's macro considerations in regard to its handling of the project. Mr. Pollock has already indicated that An Bord Pleanála is independent. There is a chance that it will refuse planning permission. I do not think anyone in this room can answer that question. The application will not be submitted until next summer, or some time in 2015. This committee's role is to assess the board on how it manages risks. I ask Mr. Pollock to outline the procedures in place if planning permission is not granted. It would be reckless not to consider that possibility. Everybody wants the children's hospital to be built, but it is a possibility. If the board has not considered that risk, it would not be doing its job. What plans are in place to cope with that risk and where does Mr. Pollock see the board going if it does not get permission? I am not asking about the construction of the children's hospital. The key job of the board's directors is to manage risk in the organisation that they lead. I know Mr. Pollock has examined this risk because he should not be here if he has not done so. It is fine if permission is granted, but what plans are in place for the possibility that permission is not granted? What is the risk assessment in terms of the value of the assets and where everything will be at that stage?