We are quickly approaching a general election. It would appear there is more nervous energy around these Houses than I have ever experienced in my three years here.

It will be very quick for the Senator.

At this morning's meeting of the Joint Committee on Health, the Secretary General of the Department of Health said five tenders were submitted in respect of the national children's hospital. There was a tender for €637 million from BAM, another tender for €768 million, another for €785 million and another for €814 million, which was the highest bid. It beggars belief that nobody in the Department of Health raised an eyebrow at the fact that there was a difference of 20% between the lowest and highest bids or about the prospect that BAM might have done this previously or that this might have been part of that company's strategy. Why were there no red flags or alarm bells? How is it that the Minister did not come across this? There is still much to discuss. We eagerly await the PwC report, which is due on the day that Brexit is scheduled to occur. It is a matter of burying it in the papers. The Fine Gael spin machine is in overdrive.

I call the Leader to respond and to address his remarks through the Chair. Let us be respectful. The Senators have all had an opportunity to contribute.