Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I wish to return to the integrated financial management system. In 2014, as I understand it, there was recognition that such a system was needed. A decision was made to go ahead with it. In 2017, as I understand it, SAP was appointed. I noted Mr. Reid's earlier response on the matter. My understanding is that it has now entered design stage, or that was the stage it was at a week or two ago. Phase 1 of the project was to be completed by May 2024. There has been a delay of 12 months, obviously, and the Department and the HSE have said that is due to Covid-19. Phase 2 of the new system is to be completed in March 2025. I wish to ask a couple of questions in that regard. Assuming those targets are met, that is a full nine years after the recognition of the need for such a system and the decision to go ahead with it. Will the whole system be out of date? Mr. Reid, in reply to an earlier question, mentioned that the company concerned now appears to be out of the frame and a new company is being brought in. Does that mean we will go back at the starting blocks? If the first company has dropped out, is there a liability in terms of payment? How much in payments has that company already received?