John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Members for their input. Before I hand over to the Comptroller and Auditor General, I do not believe there is a paragraph in his opening remarks or observations on PPPs generally that does not ask the Department to examine various aspects of PPPs, whether it be in terms of the advice, the sound understanding required, the publication on the website, or the matter of no effective benefit or the economic sense to make the investment. In respect of all those, explanations are sought. If all of the observations were to be acted upon, that would provide a greater understanding to the public, to those who might be interested in PPPs, and to the members of this committee in terms of the role we play in terms of ensuring value for money for the taxpayer.

I suggest that the Accounting Officers in the Departments of Public Expenditure and Reform and Finance be given copies of the observations of the Comptroller and Auditor General and the transcript of the meeting. Actions based on the observations of the Comptroller and Auditor General can be taken on board by the departmental officials. I would like to know the response of each Department to the observations.