Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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This is a shocking start to the work of this new Committee of Public Accounts. At our first public meeting we learn that the pilot projects were estimated to cost €3.5 million but that the actual cost to the end of June 2016 was €9.1 million. That is 200% over budget. What was so wrong with the original indicative costs? Will Ms McGrath explain how the OPW got it so wrong? The estimate for these pilot projects was €3.5 million but the costs were €9.1 million;. Obviously, the almost €6 million difference has had to be cut from other worthy projects. Will Ms McGrath talk about the big picture before I call Deputy Connolly?