Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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I thank the witnesses for the documentation. The last time they were with us was in October of last year. From my perspective, it is very hard to see where progress has been made or this project has been reined in in any way. I thought the October session was highly unsatisfactory and the witnesses were not able to be specific on anything at all. I am sensing the same kind of attitude this morning where, in a very casual way, they are saying that of course it will take longer and cost more, but they are not providing any specifics to us at all on either of those issues. The whole country is waiting for this hospital to be completed and is watching as the bill seems to be ballooning all the time.

I am not satisfied that the witnesses have come in and told us they still do not have a clue how much it will cost ultimately or when it will be completed and ready for use. I am hearing that the situation has disimproved considerably. The witness are saying that only about 30% of the activity is taking place that should be taking place at this stage. They are also saying that the number of claims has increased substantially. It is hard to know who is actually in charge of this project. It is a massive project that is badly needed. I have no doubt that it will be, at some point in the future, a great facility. It is badly needed. I was very impressed when I visited it last year.

Who is in charge of this thing at the moment? It seems to be running out of control completely. How is it the case that two years on from the last compliance programme, we still have not got a current one? How has that situation been allowed to develop?

I will respond to the Deputy's general point in terms of specifics.