Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The early schemes for control of these projects were obviously not adequate. This is why the NRA has strengthened its cost estimation and control procedures in the past five years. A figure of 86% was mentioned in last night's television programme, as quoted by Deputy Sargent. However, 40% of this was inflation. The report of the Committee of Public Accounts offers a full breakdown of the figures. Some 40% was accounted for by inflation and 16% was due to the failure to cost certain elements at the planning stage.

See this speech in context