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

-----because they can inflate the price above that level. I will not give any figure as to what this might or might not cost because we are going to tender some stage and we want competitive tendering. I have discussed the matter with the Secretary General and the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces. It is complex and we have to get it right. We want synergy between all three arms of our Defences Forces, including air, maritime and so forth. It is something that we are absolutely committed to doing and we are going to do it but I do not underestimate the complexity of it. It will be the most challenging and costly defence project in the history of the State. It is crucial, then, that we have thorough planning and consideration of all options. We should carry all of that work out before we speculate on a delivery date. We know from the procurement of many significant projects that proper planning in advance and doing the detailed work is necessary to make sure we get the best value and the right product and outcome that is optimal to our needs.

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