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

Let me outline the issue I have with it. I would actually go further. What caught my eye in the response from the project director is the expectation regarding the main contractor. It refers only to an expectation of an updated programme for substantial completion. That was to come to the employer representative and, obviously, the board as far back as February. That that has not happened despite the contract is an issue, as the Deputy mentioned. I want it clarified that there has been no response. I ask that we be informed of when there is a response. If the project is not completed, what will the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board do in terms of penalties under the clauses of the contract? Is this being considered? I am referring to the fact that a response has not even been received at this stage, with no indication as to when it is coming. The letter was dated 19 May, so it is very recent. We, as members of the committee, need to be informed, but not just about the delay. We know there has not been any response, not even a statement that it will be available to us at such a time. There has been no indication as to when it will come. If it still not available when the secretariat writes to the board, we should ask about what penalties can be imposed and whether they are being considered in the event of this matter continuing. We should ask what the cut-off point is. That is important.

There is another worrying matter. Sometimes these things come from good sources. It was reported at that weekend that it will be the end of 2025 before patients can go to the new national children's hospital at the St. James's site. We should ask for this to be confirmed and whether it is credible. I cannot stand over the accuracy of the information but I presume it is because it is from a journalist. If a journalist has a source and is getting fairly solid information, we would like to know whether it is the case that the project will not be completed until the end of 2025. As members of a public accounts committee, we need to know whether completion is likely to be even later than 2025, considering what is happening now. I will bring in the Comptroller and Auditor General on the question asked.