As Minister for Public Expenditure; National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, my Department is responsible for the Public Spending Code (PSC), which sets the value for money requirements and guidance for evaluating, planning and managing Exchequer-funded capital projects. Management and delivery of investment projects and public services within allocation and the national frameworks is a key responsibility of every Department, Accounting Officer and Minister.
The 2019 update to the Public Spending Code, the introduction of the External Assurance Process and the Major Projects Advisory Group and the most recent updates were informed by a number of different factors. These included recommendations arising from a number of different reports including the 2017 IMF report ‘Technical Assistance Report – Public Investment Management Assessment’ and the PWC Independent review of escalation in costs at the New Children’s Hospital, a consultation process involving key stakeholders as well as international evidence.
In relation to the analysis referenced in ‘Briefing Note: The Public Spending Code and overview of sectoral applications’, this was an internal research exercise undertaken that involved a time and place assessment of international approaches to major project governance. Given that much time has passed since the drafting of this research, we do not have plans to publish this document. However, my officials will send a copy of the briefing note to you.
