Dáil debates

Wednesday, 30 June 2010

3:00 pm

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I question the Deputy's seriousness when it comes to addressing the problems in the Prison Service. His party has objected to this project at every twist and turn. The Government will make a reasonable decision when it has received the best advice from outside experts and advisers in the National Development Finance Agency. It was clear in the prevailing economic circumstances that the PPP model was not affordable into the future. We had to re-evaluate our plans, in effect, and proceed on the traditional public procurement basis.

I hope the Deputy is not suggesting that I should mention indicative prices in the House, particularly in a pre-tender situation, as to do so would be to tell the world, including potential tenderers, how much they should be tendering for. Deputy Rabbitte should understand from his experience in Government that it would not be wise to do that. We are proceeding with the construction of the access road and the perimeter wall. Tenders have been put out in that respect. As I have said, the construction of the access road is expected to start this summer. It is anticipated that the construction of the perimeter wall will start in January 2011. In the next week or so, I will seek the approval of the Government to proceed on a public procurement basis, rather than on a PPP basis, to ensure we get the best value for taxpayers' money.

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