Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

What sanctions are imposed if a Department does not meet the guidelines? Let us move away from roads and consider the position vis-À-vis hospital projects. In some instances, Ministers have approved projects, investments have been made and then the new facilities could not be opened. Deputy Burton will be aware of a notable example of such a project in her constituency. Surely someone must take the rap for not properly planning a project and ensuring that it could be opened when taxpayers money has been spent. What sanctions does the Department apply where the guidelines are manifestly not having an effect in terms of the way projects are planned?

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