Deputy Jonathan O?Brien:

There was initially a draft plan in February, which was discussed at several meetings. Then cuts had to be implemented as the HSE was asked to find savings. We are now in June – six months into the year – and we still have not seen the plan. Why has it taken from February to June to deal with the issues that have arisen? There is a bit of confusion. Only last Thursday in the Dáil, the Minister for Finance said there would be no cuts or projects delayed in any Department due to the issues with the national broadband plan or the overrun with the national children’s hospital costs. He stated:

...as a result of the decisions made on broadband, and in dealing with the national children's hospital, I will not change other projects. The other projects have associated needs, within communities and the country. I want to make sure they move ahead. Projects do not go ahead every year for reasons that have nothing to do with budgetary policy...

The Minister said there is no issue and the overrun is not a factor. Why are we still discussing it if it is not a factor according to the Minister?