Tanaiste Simon Harris has said the State is “robustly” challenging millions of euro worth of claims made by the developer of the National Children’s Hospital.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the target date for the completion of the hospital had not changed after reports of further costs and delays.
The Irish Independent has reported that developer BAM submitted further construction claims worth 853 million euro and that the first patients will not be treated until 2026.
Speaking on his way into Cabinet, Mr Harris said the state had successfully pushed back against other claims.
“The National Children’s Hospital now is in the final stages of its completion in terms of its construction,” he said.
“Of course there will have to be the clinical kit-out of the hospital, that’s a vital part of the commissioning work that needs to take place.
“But I never accept the narrative put forward, sometimes, by the developer that they’re looking for all this additional funding.
“The state robustly pushes back against that and I want the taxpayers of this country to know that the state has successfully pushed back many claims to date, and will continue to adopt that approach.”
Mr Martin said: “The target date is still as it was outlined originally, but, again, we will have a further update from the Minister of Health and I await that.
“Look, there has been engagement between the hospital development board and the (developer) for quite some time. That needs to continue and the state needs to ensure it gets value for money.
“The state needs to ensure that it robustly defends the interests of the taxpayer while ensuring that this project is brought to completion.”