John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Earlier in his contribution regarding the national children’s hospital, the Taoiseach stated no one has come up with a suggestion as to how it could be built cheaper. Up to €371 million has already been agreed in increased costs with the contractor. Amazingly, outside all norms in the industry, anything above 4% will also be paid as an increased cost. Currently, construction inflation is running at approximately 8%. Every 1% on €1 billion is another €10 million. Will the Taoiseach instruct the children’s hospital development board and PwC to remove this extra 4% from July 2019? It is not a norm in the industry. It is another example of the contractor getting a significant advantage with taxpayers’ money. We can save at least €10 million, the equivalent to every 1% on every €1 billion, after July 2019. This is a matter which should be looked at urgently.

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