Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I want to address some issues in the board's minutes. On 12 August, the board discussed the current design format of the project and its compatibility with future hospital designs to manage future pandemic-type viruses. The board discussed potential design modifications to take place post completion and noted that industry guidance would have to come in time. Have we a reason to be concerned about design? Is the hostile claims culture of the developer an impediment to doing things in real time as opposed to retrofitting afterwards?

Did we have to change any of the specifications, for example with insulation, as a consequence of the Grenfell Tower fire or other UK examples? If so, was there a cost implication?

On the time overrun, is there a potential for a counterclaim for non-adherence to the contract obligation in respect of the delivery time? Has this been considered or is it something that the board will consider?