Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

It highlighted deficiencies which were remedied but people do not want to accept the word of those who drew up the report. On the afternoon before the "Prime Time" programme was broadcast, it indicated that the tunnel was safe. There is not much more I can do to convince people.

As regards the cost of the tunnel, I am not saying anything other than that the estimated final outturn cost to the Exchequer is €751 million. As the Deputy will be aware, for many years there was a practice in this country whereby people put in tenders for particular projects, yet the minute their tender was accepted they appointed batteries of lawyers and quantity surveyors to see how much more money they could get from the taxpayer. I do not think this project was any different in that respect. There are processes in place but I will not be deciding the final outcome and neither will the Department nor the Government. It will presumably go through the legal or arbitration system and a final decision will be made. Suffice it to say that as far as the Department and the NRA are concerned, the costs should be €751 million and the NRA will contest anything over and above that.

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