Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will answer all of those questions and the Secretary General also wishes to comment on that. I will also come back in respect of other points made by the Deputy because I will not just let them sit with regard to the point about beds. In respect of the figure of €1.7 billion and to be very clear regarding the chronology, I have told my officials to share everything and anything with this committee. I have heard Deputy Kelly's point about this. There should be full transparency. I want that to happen. I first became aware that there would be an overrun on 24 August. I did not become aware of the final figure until 9 November - certainly early November. I can check my folder with regard to that. In the intervening period, I had been assured by my officials and indeed asked by my officials to ensure that due diligence be done regarding all of the options - looking at how we could claw back the costs of this project and whether there are better ways of delivering the project. The Mazars report was commissioned. A report came back through the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board that told me what my three options were after all this due diligence was done. When we talk about the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board, we need to remember that we are not talking about random individuals. They are really serious people with expertise in the delivery of major construction projects. A number of reports, many of which have been shared with this committee, were produced on the different options, including scoping. I was and remain satisfied that all of those issues were looked at. Based on the expert advice available to me, I also remain satisfied that we were to try to de-scope the hospital, it could impact on basic standards and safety standard directives.