Mr. Robert Watt:

We accept the recommendations on PPPs set out in the report and propose to implement them. The value for money issue arises whether one takes the PPP or traditional route. Once we decide to go ahead with a project, we then decide which procurement option to adopt. The NDFA carries out the public sector benchmark test and then advises us whether a particular project passes the test and can be undertaken as a private contract. We are happy, if possible, to make available the results of the evaluation. There may be an issue of commercial sensitives, but we are happy to make the results available. I understand this issue was raised with Mr. Brian Murphy of the NDFA when he appeared before the committee. The NDFA carries out the evaluation and then advises us and the sponsoring Department whether a project meets the test. There should be opportunities to share the results with the committee. I do not believe there will be a problem in our doing so.