Ms Tracey Conroy:

Yes, it was an indication of a problem and at the time the estimate was of the order of €200 million. The board was working through the process of negotiating the guaranteed maximum price with the contractor. From the Department's perspective at that stage, we were conscious that the board was working through the process and we advised the Minister immediately. We were cognisant that the build board was working to an end date, which at that stage was a date in November by which time the decision on the award of the contract would have to be made. If it was not made by that date, we would start incurring penalties. We knew we needed to discuss it with the Government in advance of that decision and we were working to that date. The build board was instructed to finalise the guaranteed maximum price and revert to the Department with a recommendation on the options.