Mr. Fred Barry:

The Deputy is probably tired of hearing it but there are a number of costs risks that are outside of our guarantee maximum price and outside of our control. I appreciate that some people are of the view that we should have a better feel for the level of inflation into the future in regard to the costs that outside of our control. If the inflation is higher in a few years' time, then the cost will be higher. This will be dealt with by the Government by way of separate budget or additional budget. I am not sure what the mechanics of that will be.

The Deputy spoke about reducing costs. We have taken the measures we can to reduce costs and balance other pressures on increasing costs. In my view, there is no chance of the project being done for less than is currently budgeted. The pressures on this project are all upwards. There is no doubt about that. We have done well during this year in addressing the claims that have come in. The team has done well in managing the project but we will remain under pressure for the next few years. It is a tough, difficult project and I am not suggesting that there will not be continuing problems and challenges.