Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 1088: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of persons engaged in project management in his Department that have recognised qualifications in that area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3214/07]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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Most of the major capital projects for which my Department has responsibility are managed by the Office of Public Works or by companies or bodies established for that purpose.

Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects, such as the development of the National Conference Centre, the National Theatre and the National Concert Hall, are being progressed in line with the Department of Finance "Guidelines for the Provision of Infrastructure and Capital Investments through Public Private Partnership" which are available on the Government PPP website — www.ppp.gov.ie. In advancing these projects the Department relies heavily on the Office of Public Works and the National Development Finance Agency who provide the appropriate technical and financial expertise, which is supplemented by consultancy support where necessary.

While I am not aware if any officers in my Department hold recognised qualifications in project management, several senior officers have taken part in project management training courses organised by my Department as part of its ongoing staff training and development programmes and many have considerable practical experience over the course of their careers in dealing with major capital projects.