Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank all of the witnesses for their presentations and the time they have given us this morning. They will have heard some frustration expressed by members. We all want to see the hospital built. It is badly needed. As stated by Ms Hardiman, it is for the sickest children in Ireland.

We heard this morning that there will be further delays and costs. On the previous occasion the witnesses appeared before the committee, we heard there were 600 live claims. We learned today that there are now 900 claims, which is concerning. We also heard that there is a 14-month delay and that external difficulties such as Covid-19, Brexit and a reduction in production, supply issues, goods, services and so on may impact the December 2023 target date. The questions raised by members were reasonable. It is reasonable for us as a committee to try to find out the overall cost of the project, the completion date and opening date. This project has been described by one member as money well spent. People will make their own decision on that. At a previous committee meeting it was described by a senior official as the best value for public expenditure. Again, we do not know that.

The contributions this morning have been helpful. There are outstanding questions, which the witnesses will, I am sure, acknowledge. I appreciate their time.