Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I apologise again that the Minister is not here. I am taking this on his behalf. If he was here, I am sure he would have issues with the use of the word "corruption" by Deputy Mattie McGrath. It is important to say that.

I acknowledge the input of all Deputies. I thank the Business Committee for facilitating the debate on this matter and providing an opportunity to address the report of the Committee of Public Accounts on the development board's 2019 financial statements. I am aware of concerns that the development board is not sufficiently co-operating with the requests of the Committee of Public Accounts. The development board has accepted and is implementing the recommendations of the Committee of Public Accounts relating to the provision of additional information on costs and claims in the format requested by the committee. I am informed that the contract does not mirror the format in which the committee has sought the information, but the board is doing its utmost to provide information in as coherent a way as possible.

Regarding the first recommendation of the committee, it is not a matter of not co-operating with the committee. Rather, it is simply not possible to provide hypothetical or commercially sensitive information at this time without undermining the shared goal of everyone here to see this hospital completed as soon and as efficiently as possible. The decision not to make this analysis available at this time was made on the basis that its contents must remain confidential in order to ensure that the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board's ability to enforce the contract is not prejudiced and, ultimately, that the project is not adversely affected.

I will not be drawn on specific claims or speculation on costs as there is a live contract in place. I do not wish to prejudice the enforcement of the contract or to undermine the role of the development board. It is important to recall that the value of the claims quoted is that attributed by the contractor and is not reflective of the outcome of the claims process to date. The value of those claims is not a true liability. Simply adding those values to the existing budget in no way reflects the likely outturn on this project.

The development board is co-operating with the Committee of Public Accounts, and at all times is trying to provide updated information to the committee in a meaningful way, wherever possible. My Department and the board remain committed to providing information on the project to Members of the House, including members of the Committee of Public Accounts, in a timely manner, where possible and appropriate.

My Department has accepted recommendation No. 3 and is committed to the ongoing investment in healthcare infrastructure, with a focus on improving the delivery of such projects to ensure speed of delivery and value for money. The capital project budget approved by the new children's hospital and the two satellite centres is €1.433 billion. This budget has not been depleted, and I have acknowledged that there remain risks beyond the control of the development board and the contractor. Delays and external factors will be a driver of additional costs, most notably construction inflation, but everything possible is being done to make sure the project is completed as soon as possible. Should additional budget be required, this will be sought via the Government for sanction.

An additional €300 million over and above the capital project budget also remains intact and was budgeted for the mobilisation of services and a new ICT and electronic health records system for the State's first fully digital hospital. Market engagement has concluded and I will shortly be bringing a memo to Cabinet seeking approval for contracts for the electronic health records, EHR, system to be signed. The importance of this project for the provision of paediatric care in Ireland cannot be overstated. When completed, Ireland will have a hospital that will deliver world-class facilities and we will improve and prioritise the medical outcomes for this nation's sickest children. We will be bringing transformational change to the delivery of healthcare for children in Ireland for generations to come.

I will take on board the Deputy's comment in relation to the solar panels. The points were very well made. I do not know how I can influence it but I will certainly bring back to the Minister for Health, Deputy Donnelly, the points raised by the Deputy this evening. In the current energy climate, the points are very valid and should be noted.

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