Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:294 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals in respect of public private partnerships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22586/02]
Written Answers. - Public Private Partnerships.
I fully support the introduction of public private partnerships, PPPs, where feasible, in areas of my Department's responsibilities. Such mechanisms represent the best method of achieving value for money for the taxpayer, while ensuring that development continues apace.
As the Deputy will no doubt be aware the State Authorities (Private Partnership Agreements) Act, which came into effect on 22 March 2002, explicitly empowered State authorities to enter into joint ventures for the purpose of, and to contract with private financiers of, a public private partnership. The Deputy will also be aware that the proposed national development finance agency will, among other matters, assess optimal financing for public investment projects including PPPs.
While I have no specific proposals at present in respect of public private partnerships, my Department continues to review expenditure programmes with a view to assessing their suitability for public private partnership. I have also asked my officials to work closely with the national development finance agency, when established, to inform our assessment in this regard.