Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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314. To ask the Minister for Finance in view of Cisco's recent commitment to support the UK’s digitisation plans, if he will consider vendor financing options for the implementation of new infrastructural projects here as an alternative to new borrowing or the use of national investment funds for same in view of the fact that major international companies maintain capital reserves for investment in such projects. [30745/15]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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In the absence of full information on the specifics of the UK related investment by Cisco it is difficult to respond in detail on that particular case, which may or may not involve vendor financing. The National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) advise that the vendor financing model typically refers to a financial structure whereby an equipment manufacturer provides loans or other finance to assist with the purchase or lease of its equipment. It is sometimes used in projects involving greater technology or obsolescence risk such as those related to information and communications technology or high-tech hospital equipment. Use of such a model could be considered on a case by case basis, where appropriate, involving a comparison with the cost of borrowing by the Exchequer and consideration of other financing options both public and private. Officials from my Department already chair a group tasked with considering the funding options, both public and private, available for public projects. Finally any such proposal in relation to a suitable state project must comply fully with public procurement rules.