The blatant incompetence, unaccountability and recklessness exposed by the National Children’s Hospital debacle clearly displays the inability of this Government, carried by Fianna Fáil, to provide the necessary governance and oversight to deliver infrastructure projects such as this one. Now, we have the familiar cover-up and defending of the indefensible.
Cost overruns of €61 million were identified as far back as August 2017, and another €200 million a year later. Minister Harris says that he was first informed on August 27th, 2018. Yet, there was no rush, no urgency at that time.
Ministers Harris and Donohoe say that they became aware of the 1.4 billion construction figure in November. What happened in the space between August and November? Why did Fianna Fáil not enquire about the financial status of the largest health project in history during budget discussions?
Procurement debacles are common in this Government – broadband, school builds, JobPath – and, now, the National Children’s Hospital. How long can we go on wasting money, how long will this government and Fianna Fáil continue to write the blank cheques for selected projects while at the same time we have to beg for everything including hospital beds, home care for the elderly and disabled, vital drugs for children.
