14th November 2002

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Crowe - Jarvis ``a classic example of the flaws in Public Private Partnership''

Sinn Fein spokesperson on Education Seán Crowe has described the deal the Department of Education has with Jarvis PLC as a classic example of the flaws of Public Private Partnership. Deputy Crowe was speaking ahead of Questions to the Minister for Eduation this afternoon where he has placed questions on this issue before the House.

The Dublin South West TD said: ``The government is going to be charged over 214 million Euros by Jarvis over the next 25 years for these schools. Public Private Partnership amounts to little more than a hire purchase scheme for schools and Jarvis PLC provide a classic example of the flaws of Public Private Partnership. The government will pay a much higher cost over 25 years in order to avoid proper investment in schools now.

``We have to ask what kind of company is being put in charge of parts of our nation's schools? Jarvis is responsible for the maintenance of large parts of the British rail network including a section at Potters Bar where poorly maintained track resulted in an accident, which cost the lives of seven people and injured dozens. The message is clear. This is a company, which puts profit before safety.

``Over the summer a non-executive company director resigned over corruption allegations. Is this the shining example of the success of Public Private Partnership Minister Dempsey speaks of? Is this the company we wish to entrust out children to?''

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