Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I can certainly commit that any proposal to proceed with a project using the PPP model will be subject to the highest standards of examination and rigorous analysis of assessment of value for money. In my area of Cork some of the major projects developed in recent decades, such as the Cork School of Music and the National Maritime College, are fantastic projects. This building, the national convention centre, was developed using a PPP model.

Of course we need to ensure that when we are selecting the most appropriate delivery mechanism we apply all the same standards as to whether a project will be funded by direct Exchequer capital or using PPPs. There are certain advantages. For example, the upfront capital cost does not count as part of the national debt in the sense that it is off-balance-sheet, but that is only one consideration. We have to ensure the legitimate issues raised by the Deputy are fully taken into account when we are examining the possibility of using a PPP for a particular project.

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