Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It does not matter what answer I give to the House. It does not matter how I look to answer Deputy McDonald today. Her response is always going to be the same - to find any answer insufficient and to find any evidence of progress or an attempt to deal with the issue not good enough. I outlined in my answer to her that we do not accept as sufficient or satisfactory where this project stands and that we, too, want to see the hospital open as soon as possible. I have acknowledged at other points, and I do so again today, all the difficulties and learnings we have had in regard to the cost of the hospital, which have been acknowledged and taken on board in how we cost other projects.

The Deputy asked me what the Government is doing in this regard. I explained what it is doing. I pointed out that the Government, through the development board that has responsibility for the hospital, is taking the action that is needed in respect of the timeliness of delivery of this project, the challenge of claims and the work we are doing and what we are demanding of the developer to have that work done. I put it to Deputy McDonald that rather than continually coming in here and doing the work on behalf of the contractor, she would be better off making the case for this project being completed, supporting the children of Ireland and getting this hospital complete.

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