Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Again, the Taoiseach did not answer the questions. Where will the additional funds come from over the next three years? What projects will be shelved to facilitate this plan? These are legitimate questions which are asked in the memo from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to the Taoiseach. We are entitled to an answer. We have got drip-drip. The Taoiseach did not reveal the documentation prior to making the decision. Belatedly, he then expects the Opposition to roll along with him.

Does he still stand over the cost-benefit analysis when in the final version €1 billion is lost on the benefits and miraculously found in terms of costs? I would not use the phrase “cook the books” but it demands some serious questioning by the Taoiseach and everybody on this side of the House as to the cost-benefit analysis. How was it only spotted at the 11th hour? What went on? We need to find answers to those questions.

GMC has to rely on another financial entity. This has been confirmed by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment. It turns out to be the Tetrad Corporation and David McCourt’s brother’s company. Was the Department satisfied by a letter from Frank McCourt’s company to the effect that he could underpin the financial capacity of GMC? What level of guarantee did the Government get? What evidence was obtained by the Department to ensure it has full legal recourse to the resources of McCourt Global LLC and Tetrad Corporation, companies on which GMC relied, a fact stated publicly by the Department?

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