Costly bill of health

THE Government was left reeling last night as it struggled to face down intense opposition attacks on a new payroll system for the health service that has cost a staggering 20 times more than its original estimated cost.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Tánaiste Mary Harney yesterday stood over the controversial Payroll, Personnel and Related Services project (PPARS) which Mr Ahern admitted has cost €116 million to date, but which the opposition says has already cost over €150m and could cost a further €100m.

When it was introduced in 1998, the original estimate was €8.8m.