Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. McCarthy. I have a clear sense of the cost side of the equation, but my question is on the return side. I appreciate that where private finance is involved, there is cause to strike a balance in terms of risk. I do not accept, however, that is the same when the State is providing the finance for projects. If there is a risk, it is of a much more minimal effect. I have made that point and hope we will return to the matter next week.

Ms Tallon gave us figures for the project in Castlebar and said, in response to Deputy Paschal Donohoe, that it was 22% more cost effective to go the PPP route.