Mr. Fred Barry:

On the offer to opt out, if we were to negotiate a termination of the main contract with BAM and retender, it would take a minimum of a year and half to get a new contractor in place and it could be two years or even longer if there was to be any challenge. The State would pick up the extra inflationary cost for the couple of years involved. It would carry the costs of the development board and the CHI board before the start-up for an extra couple of years. The current contractors would have to be paid for de-mobilising and there would be a further payment to re-mobilise the new contract. There are many long lead-in equipment items and materials on order, not only through the main building contractor but also through the mechanical and electrical contractors. The State would have to pay all of the associated cancellation charges. Therefore, I do not believe it would be good business for it to stop the work now and retender as it would end up costing money and lead to a much later opening than would otherwise be the case.

On the expertise required, board appointments are matters for the Minister. Good, bad or indifferent, neither I nor any chairman should be-----