Vol. 526 No. 4
246 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the legislation which is required to be introduced to implement public private partnership projects under the national development plan; when he will publish any such legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26884/00]
The PPP Unit in my Department has examined the need for legislation in consultation with other Departments and the public-private informal advisory group. I am advised that while there are no fundamental legal barriers to the implementation of the public private partnership programme some legislation may be required to facilitate the development of the process in particular sectors. If further enabling powers are needed I will consult with my colleagues in Government on how best to meet such needs and bring forward proposals expeditiously.
247 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has a public private partnership section; the number of staff allocated to this section; the specific projects being dealt with by this section. [26899/00]
A public private partnership unit was established in my Department in January 1999 to lead, drive and co-ordinate the PPP process across and in conjunction with the various Departments of Government. The unit is headed by an official at director level and consists of an assistant principal officer, an administrative officer and a clerical officer. The unit recruited a senior PPP project specialist, who has experience of PPP/PFI projects in the UK on contract in January 2000. A leading solicitor also joined the unit, on secondment from the private sector, in December 1999.
My Department does not have responsibility for specific PPP projects. The Departments and authorities directly responsible for each programme area retain the responsibility for bringing forward specific PPP projects, in co-operation with the PPP unit in my Department.
