Mr. Peter Finnegan:

Yes. It is a standard contract and, as the Deputy correctly notes, the OPW has had to work with a contingency figure of 10%. The reality is that for a project such as Georgian Leinster House which has seen major restoration, the contingency figure could be up to 40%. It is very important to have realistic contingency figures built into the contract as otherwise they can be very misleading. I take the opportunity to acknowledge what I regard as the absolutely outstanding work of the OPW. We have had a superb team of architects, led by Mr. Ciaran O'Connor, the State architect. It has been a labour of love for them and I have seen the level of commitment and hours invested in the project by the team. Sometimes the public sector is criticised correctly on projects, but this is an example of a project that has gone well and been well managed. It will leave a lasting legacy for generations of Irish people who will come to Leinster House.

On a personal level, I am really looking forward to the building being opened in order that people can come to Leinster House to see the outstanding work that has been done. We will have tours at weekends in the autumn once Leinster House is reopened as I anticipate a very high level of interest in coming to see the refurbished building.