Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

People might ask why we took this approach with the PPPs, which the Deputy has referred to. When the three elements of the PPP are combined they are more likely to be of a scale sufficient to attract the private sector parties and competition, where such interests and competition might not be generated if projects are progressed individually. The specific projects are often capable of being specified clearly within a PPP procurement process and contractual arrangement. There is an annual repayment cost over a period of 25 years, as opposed to the upfront capital cost, which makes it more affordable within the future funding allocations of the Courts Service and An Garda Síochána.

It is about making sure it can be delivered on time as well. Examples of facilities delivered and managed under PPP arrangements successfully elsewhere have come in on time and on budget. I will come back in on the query on Tralee court sites.

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