Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The only figure with which comparisons should be made is the one on which the Government signed off when the project had been tendered for. That is the only figure over which I can stand. It is the one the Government of Ireland approved when the matter was brought to the Cabinet by me in April 2017. However, I get the broader point and do not wish to get involved in semantics, but that is the figure with which the cost of the project should be compared. It does not, however, change the Deputy's argument as €450 million is still a very significant overrun. His point about beds is one that frustrates me somewhat when I hear it because it ignores the reality. It is an attempt to suggest there will be no additional benefit to the new hospital, other than perhaps a nice building.