Jonathan O'Brien
Question:184. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the schools PPP bundle 5. [26232/18]
View answerTuesday, 19 June 2018
Questions (184)
Written answers
The Output Specifications, Public Sector Benchmark (PSB) and Tender Evaluation, including Value for Money comparison, were prepared for the Schools Bundle 5 PPP Project in accordance with the PPP Guidelines.
It has been the practice for some time of the Department of Education and Skills to publish PSB information on education PPP projects once five years have elapsed after contract close.
Five years is considered to be an appropriate period of time after which concerns around commercial sensitivity will generally have receded. In relation to contracts closed within the previous five years, there is a risk that sharing information relating to the PSB and wider procurement process could have negative repercussions for the State, both in terms of managing the construction phase of the contract and in potentially influencing the price that future bidders for education projects might seek. The contract for Schools Bundle 5 was signed in July 2016 and it is therefore considered premature to disclose the documentation requested by the Deputy.
In relation to costs, I can confirm that the only payment which has been made by the Department to the PPP company InspiredSpaces was for €4.4 million. This was for off-site works and related costs, which have already been completed.
Unitary Charge (UC) payments will not commence until service commencement is reached on the school buildings. Projected commitments for all PPP projects are available on the website of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform at: http://ppp.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Contract-value-and-financial-commitment-to-end-2017.xlsx. This includes the most recent projections submitted for Schools Bundle 5. This information will be updated once the arrangements for completion of the schools are confirmed and there is clarity on when UC payments will fall due.