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Gnáthamharc

Public Private Partnerships.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 March 2005

Thursday, 3 March 2005

Ceisteanna (77)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

76 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has carried out any further review in relation to public private partnerships; if his attention has been drawn to the specific reports from the United Kingdom in relation to the cost of such public private partnerships for certain public transport infrastructure and other public service infrastructure and the findings of these reports that these projects are excessively costly when compared with design and build methods or traditional methods of public financing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7149/05]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government is committed to developing the PPP process as a viable procurement option for appropriate projects within the overall context of public investment in infrastructure and public services. PPPs are one procurement tool to be used alongside traditional approaches.

In common with all large capital projects, the value for money achieved in individual projects is determined by a number of factors including the quality of the procurement process. The value for money achieved in individual projects is a matter in the first instance for the Accounting Officer in the Department or office sponsoring a project.

My Department prepares and issues guidelines for Departments and agencies in regard to the assessment, approval, audit and procurement of PPP projects, taking into account the experience of projects to date and any further relevant information, including any from other countries, as appropriate. Lessons gained from the initial pilot phase have been incorporated into our processes, structures and procedures, including the establishment of the National Development Finance Agency, NDFA. We are still learning and will continue to keep our processes and procedures under review. As regards the position in other countries, including the UK, it is my understanding that their experience would indicate that PPPs can be cost-effective in the right circumstances.

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