David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The problem is that the chief strategy and planning officer of the HSE told the Joint Committee on Health some weeks ago that delivering the project by 2023 would be challenging. He expressed a hope that it will be possible to open it in 2023 but stated there was no guarantee of that.

The Minister referred to additional claims. It is important for him to furnish such information to all Members. I am looking for his view on any additional claims that arose in 2019 or 2020. Members are aware that even before Covid struck, claims were being dealt with and there was a dispute between the main contractor and the board. Covid then came along and delayed the project even further. The current estimated cost is €2.5 billion. The cost has repeatedly escalated. People wish to know what the final price will be and whether the taxpayer will be on the hook for more expense. I ask the Minister to furnish me with a detailed note on the issue, which would be very beneficial.

See this speech in context