David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Is it not the case that part of the logic in using PPPs is that the private sector would take on some of the risk? That is what we are told and I suppose it is part of the attraction for the State also. If we are sharing the risk, we are making it easier as we are lightening the load of the private sector. PPP projects seem to be in areas where there is not much risk at all, but that is another day's work. I am trying to understand, bad enough as it is that that is the case, why it is that we share the risk with the private sector in areas where there might be the potential for some risk for the private sector. If the witnesses understand the question, I am trying to understand their logic. If part of the logic behind PPP projects is that the private sector can get involved and provide money but also share some of the risk, I am trying to understand where the risk is, as all I can see is that at times we help them and share the risk.