Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

We are very happy to have Mr. Breslin here, but it is a separate question. Given the projected catastrophic cost overruns, governmental officials should err on the side of helpfulness. If a letter arrives from the committee, it should be taken seriously.

The Minister's essential defence is that we are now so far in it would be unthinkable or unconscionable to go back and have delays in reviewing and re-tendering. Essentially, it is the Macbeth defence:

I am in blood

Stepp'd in so far that, should I wade no more,

Returning were as tedious as go o'er

It may be true. Perhaps others who are more knowledgeable about finances than some of those who have been dealing with this issue might make a helpful assessment, but it is a separate question from whether the initial decision-making on the project is the reason we are here. Does the Minister deny categorically, as I think I have heard him do, that the relative complexity on the St James's Hospital site is linked with the projected cost overruns? Many will not believe him if he does.