Sean Barrett (Independent)

Yesterday the integrated ticketing system, Leap, was launched in Dublin at a cost of €55.5 million. In 2002 it was estimated the scheme would cost £24.9 million. This represents a cost overrun of 77% on the project. I ask the Leader to take up the issue of cost overruns on public projects with the Ministers for Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform and Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. In the wake of the IMF-EU rescue package, it is most important that there be no walking away with impunity from massive cost overruns. It was not mentioned at the launch that there had been a massive cost overrun. We are meant to forget, but we cannot because the country is being bailed out. There must be some sanction imposed on bodies the projects of which come in 75% over budget. Parliament must make it explicit to Ministers and bodies overseeing such cost overruns that that era is over.