Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Secretary General and her officials. I wish to discuss Chapter 6 of the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General, which deals with financial commitments under public-private partnerships. I refer to a report by the UK national audit office on that country's use of the equivalent partnerships, which are called private finance initiatives. The report concluded that the use of private finance may not be as suitable for as many projects as in the past. It concluded there is insufficient data to demonstrate whether the use of private finance has led to better or worse value. The debate continues in the United Kingdom about whether the PFI model is the right way to go for the delivery of major construction works. The M25 motorway was delivered by a PFI and this has led to quite a few unforeseen costs.

One of the other conclusions the National Audit Office reaches is that too often Government has failed to identify, collect and use the data it needs to help support decision making in relation to public-private partnerships, PPPs, in the United Kingdom.

Does that type of critique apply to us in Ireland? Are we demonstrating the rigour that will be needed in the future to ensure public private partnerships deliver what is needed for the taxpayer and the State?

Is Ms Tallon aware of that report? Has it been brought to her attention?