Mr. Maurice Buckley:

The Leinster House project was a fantastic project. It is an example of where even though the final cost was higher than initially expected, we would 100% stand over it as being good value. Mr. McMahon can correct me, but I understand the final cost was €18 million. The initial cost estimate was €11 million.

I can assure the Deputy that, having worked with colleagues around Europe and the world, the project would not have been delivered for less than €100 million in any other country. There was superb co-operation with the Houses of the Oireachtas, Seanad Éireann, which moved into alternative accommodation, and all Deputies.

In terms of the construction contract, we got permission to use a specific form of contract suitable for historic work. As the Deputy said, many issues were found and dealt with in a way in which we can stand over the cost involved.