Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 February 2021
717. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the details of the legal costs incurred by the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board in challenging claims brought against it by contractors associated with the national children’s hospital from 2017 to date; the anticipated legal costs until 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8150/21]
View answerThe National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) has the statutory responsibility and resources to plan, design, build, furnish and equip the new children's hospital.
In line with the recommendations of the PwC report on the national children's hospital in April 2019, the NPHDB has strengthened its project controls, including in respect of claims management. This is in addition to the agreed Dispute Management Process in place between the NPHDB and the Main Contractor.
The Contractor continues to make claims, which it is entitled to do, but where it is considered that such claims are being made on matters within the contractual obligations of the contractor, the NPHDB is using all levers available to it to manage and defend against any such claims so as to protect the public purse.
The legal costs incurred to date are outlined below.
Year - Legal Fees
2017 - €409,121
2018 - €128,142
2019 - €691,712
2020 - €466,747
There were also legal expenses incurred relating to the dispute of the validity of the Phase B above ground works instruction. As the matter is now before the High Court, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage, even as regards the legal fees.
The Contractor continues to make claims and future costs to robustly defend such claims are yet to be determined.
