Congress says NDP can address social deficits
23 Jan 2007
Sounds Note of Caution on Public Private Partnerships
Congress has welcomed the priority afforded to investment in social infrastructure and public transport in the new National Development Plan
Speaking at the launch of the new NDP, which will run over the next seven years, Congress General Secretary David Begg said: "This is a major opportunity to redress imbalances and inequalities in our society and, in that context, we welcome the emphasis on developing social infrastructure, such as housing, contained in this plan.
We have long argued that the economic and social needed to be seen as complementary, rather than antagonistic. It appears that philosophy has in some measure been taken on board.
"Deficits in health, housing, education, care and transport exacerbate and aggravate existing inequalities - tackle them and you lay the foundations for a more equitable society."
However, Mr Begg did sound a note of caution on Public Private Partnerships (PPPs). The new NDP allocates some €13 billion for projects that will be procured by way of PPPs. He pointed out that valuable insight into the operation of PPPs was gained under the last NDP, which ran from 2000-2006.
"In light of this experience and insight, Congress believes that it is time to re-examine the appropriateness of PPPs and to limit their use to projects where capital expenditure is in excess of €100 million.
"Congress would also hold that there should be rigorous oversight and enforcement of labour standards where public contracts are involved. Taxpayers' money cannot be used to reward and subsidise exploitation," Mr Begg said.
Ends