The former Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Woods, stated his Department foresaw delays in the work of the commission while omitting to mention that the Government failed to respond to Ms Justice Laffoy's continued requests for additional resources and her recommendation that parallel hearings be held. He expressed concerns regarding legal costs of some €200 million, yet signed off on an open-ended deal which could leave the State facing liability of up to €1 billion. This is the conclusion of an officer of the State, the Comptroller and Auditor General, rather than an implication made by the Opposition, as the Minister indicated to the House.