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

There are a number of issues. The longer the construction phase goes on, the more expensive this hospital will be. We know that it is substantially behind the original deadline. It was due to be substantially completed in January of next year, with a six month fit-out. The key paragraph in this correspondence is as follows:

Regarding the date of substantial completion, we reported to you in correspondence dated 27 February, S1193 PAC 33, that the main contractor was expected to submit an updated programme for substantial completion to the employer's representative at the end of February 2023, in accordance with the public works contract. The employer's representative is still awaiting the programme, as is required under the contract, and is engaging with the contractor on this matter. Once received, the programme will be reviewed and evaluated by the employer's representative. Once the building is substantially complete it will be handed over to Children's Health Ireland for the period of operational commissioning.

In July of last year we were told that the building was 71% complete and the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board, or, in other words, the employer, was to get the update in February. I am concerned about the substantial completion date not being met by virtue of the fact that it has not even been able to get the substantial completion programme from the builder. This is required by the contract. We will have to have the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board in before the committee. Perhaps the Comptroller and Auditor General could tell us about where its accounts are, to know where that would be appropriate on our work schedule.