The Taoiseach has given notice in writing that he wishes to give a personal explanation and I have decided to permit the personal explanation.
Sports Campus Ireland Project: Statement by Taoiseach.
I thank you for allowing me to make this personal statement. I would like, pursuant to Standing Order 43, to give a personal explanation to the House about information which I gave in relation to costs associated with the Sports Campus Ireland project. The information was given in reply to questions from Deputies John Bruton, Ruairí Quinn and Joe Higgins on 17 October 2000.
It recently came to my attention that some of that information is not correct. Having investigated the matter, I have confirmed this to be the case and I wish to sincerely apologise to the House for mistakenly giving incorrect information in October last.
The correct information is that the cost of the stadium component of the Sports Campus Project was, and still is, estimated at £230 million, rather than the £281 million which I quoted from my brief. I overstated the cost of this component by £51 million. I am grateful to the House for the opportunity to correct the record.