Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----but not accept responsibility when things go wrong and when there are overruns, as is the case on this occasion. We accept responsibility and we are accountable for what has happened.

The figure used by the Deputy of €1.7 billion relates, as I have stated previously, to many aspects of the project that would happen in any event, including investment in IT and equipment. Even if we were not building a new children's hospital, we would have to replace equipment and bring in new IT systems. The Deputy will be aware that the figure also includes the €30 million or €40 million that was spent on the Mater Hospital site in respect of the failed attempt by previous Governments to build a national children's hospital.

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