Séamus McGrath (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)

I accept the Minister's point on balancing the process. We cannot become too risk averse. I fully understand that. Delivery of large-scale infrastructural projects is critical but we have seen examples of large-scale projects that were 100% over budget. It is critical we do not repeat that. I sit on the Committee of Public Accounts and listened to the national children's hospital development board speak of the number of claims lodged, the lengthy dispute process involved and the uncertainty as to when many of these claims will be concluded. That is just one example. It is critical we strike the right balance and have a robust system in place to ensure projects can be delivered in a reasonable timeframe and with proper risk assessment. I understand the challenge with large-scale projects. They go on over a long period. We face international uncertainty and have faced inflationary conditions in recent years. I thank the Minister and Department for the work they have done. We have the opportunity to rebuild public trust and ensure we can deliver.

The Arklow wastewater treatment plant is an example of a large project being delivered on time and within budget, so we can do it.

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