PRESS RELEASE

10 December 2008

RD 06/08

Rathlin Island Ferry Contract Investigation Report

Commenting on the publication of the independent investigation into the Rathlin Island Ferry contract, the Chairperson of the Committee for Regional Development, Fred Cobain MLA, said:

“This morning, the Permanent Secretary briefed the Committee on the key findings of the investigation. 
  Although the report indicates that there was no evidence of manifest error in the award of the contract, the Committee has serious concerns that;

• there was no clear and transparent evidence trail to support this procurement; and

• the mistakes made and surrounding circumstances provided scope for misunderstanding and contributed to perceptions of wrongdoing.

The Department told the Committee that it accepts the report recommendations and that appropriate action, including training, is required to begin to repair the damage caused to public confidence in the public procurement process.

The Committee has decided to schedule time in its work programme in early 2009 to more carefully consider the report findings. Undoubtedly there are lessons to be learned. Today’s session is the beginning of the process, and we are looking forward to working with the Department in improving and enhancing its performance in this area, and improving public confidence.

The Committee welcomes the publication of the Department for Regional Development’s independent investigation, and the speed with which the investigation was conducted. "    

Ends

Notes for Editors :

Membership of the Regional Development Committee is as follows:

Chairperson:	Mr Fred Cobain
Deputy Chairperson:	Mr Jim Wells
Committee Members:	Mr Allan Bresland
	Mr Alastair Ross
	Mr George Robinson
	Mr Brian Wilson
	Mr Cathal Boylan
	Mr Willie Clarke
	Mr Raymond McCartney
	Mr John Dallat
	Mr John McCallister

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Website Address: archive.niassembly.gov.uk