Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I will add some additional points to what I said prior to the commencement of Private Members' business. I made reference to the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General in 2004. Following a cost-effectiveness assessment of the five school buildings that were constructed under PPP arrangements, he indicated that the projected cost over 25 years was 8% to 13% higher than that which would apply by procuring and running the schools using the conventional approach.

That is a significant additional burden even though it is spread out over a period of years. I again point out that this is the main attraction for the Government, spreading it out over a longer period of time and, thereby, in some way, giving the wider populace the sense that less is being spent. The truth is that more is being spent and more public moneys are being wasted in this PPP approach.

The Government is taking a very short-term view in its approach to PPPs, primarily for its own selfish electoral reasons, and ignoring the fact that the assets and services must be paid for. This must be repeatedly exposed and I welcome the recommendation of the Comptroller and Auditor General. I welcome and made reference earlier to the constant and continuous comment by Dr. Eoin Reeves and other commentators in respect of this approach to public project procurement, which is a very different PPP than the one we are discussing this evening.

I do not believe this Bill is amendable or that it can be saved. This Bill should be withdrawn and the Government should take up an honest position with the electorate and advise it exactly how much things actually cost under the PPP approach. I note the intent of Deputy Bruton but do not believe any effort at ameliorating the real effect and intent of this legislation is worth pursuing.

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