Sinn Féin spokesperson for Public Expenditure, Rose Conway-Walsh has called on Taoiseach, Simon Harris to take responsibility for the runaway cost of the National Children’s Hospital.

Teachta Conway-Walsh said:

“As Minister for Health, Simon Haris signed the contract for the main phase of construction of the National Children’s Hospital.

“He did this despite not having a finalised plan in place.

“He went ahead with a contract that was skewed heavily in favour of the construction company and against the state.

“And despite the fact that there were already signs that the project was far over budget, he chose to continue with the same contractor – despite no obligation on the state to do so.

“He had a chance to change course and he didn’t take it.

“Now you have government blaming the construction company.

“It is not a surprise to anyone that developers will squeeze as much profit as possible.

“There is no point blaming a dog for biting you.

“Competent Ministers and civil servants are supposed to protect the state finances through detailed planning and management. As well as ensure a procurement system that takes past performance into account.

“The runaway costs of the NCH were one of the disasters of the Taoiseach’s time as Health Minister.

“It was a major issue in the 2020 general election, and I believe will be again in the next election.

“Lessons can’t be learned when people don’t even take responsibility.

“We need to centralise expertise for project delivery and oversight in the Department of Public Expenditure. Major capital projects are delivered on time when detailed planning is prioritised.”