Noel Treacy (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

I have listened with interest to what both Senators have said. The purpose of the National Development Finance Agency is clearly set out in section 3(1). Its purpose is to advise and, in certain circumstances, provide finance on public investment projects. It will be a matter for Government Ministers or, where there is delegated sanction, the accounting officer or equivalent, to decide on the appropriate financing structure of projects. It is not the role of the NDFA to undertake PPP assessments of the type envisaged in this amendment. That is a matter for the relevant Minister, accounting officer or his or her equivalent to undertake in accordance with existing requirements and reporting arrangements and subject to the audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General.

This goes back to points raised earlier about accountability and opportunity to question the success or otherwise of the agency itself, the various projects and the manner in which they are delivered. The Comptroller and Auditor General will have a key role in carrying out a critical analysis. He will report to the Committee of Public Accounts which will carry out any appraisal it deems necessary on any project or decision taken by the agency. This gives democratic and financial accountability to the affairs of the agency.

I regret I will not be able to accept this amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.