Madam, – Dr Martin Kay asserts (October 30th) that the PPP model “is unaccountable and, therefore, vulnerable to fraud”. He makes the assertion based on “16 years’ involvement in the PPP process”.
Pretty much all methods of procurement are potentially subject to fraud, the antidote to which is robust corporate governance and regular audit. I am sure he is correct in his assertion that “it is possible to identify examples” (of fraud). Does he therefore imply that it is not possible to identify examples (of fraud) in the procurement of public projects by methods other than through PPP? Or that the PPP experience of fraud and/or mismanagement greatly exceeds that experienced in non-PPP procurement? Perhaps he would share his research in this area?
The widespread use of PPPs to deliver infrastructure is a relatively recent phenomenon here in Ireland. However, in the UK it has been employed extensively and successfully over the last 20 years to deliver circa 800 public infrastructures projects. True, there have been some failed projects but most objective commentators would contend that the experience for the taxpayer and consumer has been, on balance, positive and that today they have at their disposal much excellent and vital infrastructure which, in the absence of the PPP/PFI initiatives, might not otherwise have been provided. – Yours, etc,