Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

We talked about underperformance but I suspect there are many instances of overperformance in every Department, that is, people who perform way beyond the strict demands of what they do, particularly in terms of the hours they put in, because they are dedicated to their job and want to do a good job.

On the issue of value for money, I compliment the Minister of State on his performance on "Morning Ireland" this morning. I thought he gave a very credible account. It is easy if one is chairman of an Oireachtas committee to apply a bit of the populist touch in respect of overruns without thinking about whether the original estimate had any serious foundation to it. In the case of immigration facilities, one must accept Governments face potential crisis situations and must provide for them. However, the crisis may pass, to a certain extent, and the facilities may not be used. These factors must be taken into account.