Ms Marie McLaughlin:

Before we leave this topic, I would like to point out that the central expenditure evaluation unit of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is beginning to carry out work - a focused policy assessment - on the issue of value for money analyses conducted in regard to water projects. The terms of reference will broadly be to assess the extent to which the required VFM procurement analysis is being carried out for water investment projects in the local authority sectors, to assess at a high level the quality of the VFM test carried out, how VFM analysis informs the final procurement decision and feasibility of post-project review for water investment. This is something we are actively engaged in doing.