Mr. Hubert Loftus:

From the Department’s perspective, we have no strategic interest in delaying any projects getting to the stage where work can be undertaken on-site. Regarding the turnaround times, from our perspective, that is something we do quickly. Any issues that would delay the process are probably more on the tenderers’ side. They may be concerned about whether they have the capability to stand over their tender prices in the current difficult and challenging inflation environment. The important point I was making earlier is that the OGP has updated the contractual arrangements in the context of public works contracts and put a co-operational framework in place in respect of dealing with inflation on existing projects. This all helps to create a better climate and conditions to enable contractors and tenderers to stand over their prices.