Declan O'loan - "all Is Far From Well In Public Procurement"

From: Declan O'Loan] Sent: 14 December 2008 21:31 To: 7-FM (News); Ballymena Guardian (Editor); Ballymena Guardian (Meghan); Ballymena Guardian (News); Ballymena Guardian (Reporters); Elinor Glynn; Michael McGlade; Dessie Blackadder; Ballymoney Chronicle (news); BALLYMONEY Times; Lyle McMullan; BBC News; BBC Talkback; Belfast Telegraph (editor); Belfast Telegraph (News); Coleraine Chronicle; Irish Daily Star (news); Irish News (Barry McCaffrey); Irish News (Editor); Irish News (Maeve Connolly); Irish News (News); Irish Times (news); Liam Clarke; Martina Purdy (at BBC); Michael McHugh; Darwin Templeton; Gemma Murray; Newsletter Newsdesk; Orla Black (Council usual); Orla Black (hotmail); Press Association; Q97 Radio; SDLP (James Dillon); SDLP (Ruairi O'Kane); SDLP (Seamus Murphy); SDLP (Sharon Haughey); UTV News; Declan O'Loan MLA Subject: Statement : O’Loan supports findings of Rathlin Ferry investigation that the contract was awarded correctly Statement

14 December 2008

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Declan O’Loan MLA (Constituency Office)

64 William Street, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT43 6AW

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O’Loan supports findings of Rathlin Ferry investigation that the contract was awarded correctly SDLP MLA Declan O’Loan has stated his support for the findings of a major investigation into the awarding of the contract for the Rathlin Island ferry. The contract was awarded in April 2008 to Mr Ciaran O’Driscoll, operating as Rathlin Island Ferry limited. A number of complaints were subsequently made about the tendering process and the early stages of the new operation. The report concludes that despite some errors in the procurement process, there was no manifest error in the award of the contract. Declan O’Loan said “I accept the conclusion of the report. The investigation was a substantial one, and the main report runs to over 80 pages. I believe that the investigation was thorough and that I can trust its conclusions.” “There were indeed errors and these are presented in the report. But they were not such as to overturn the overall outcome. I believe that the contract was properly awarded.” “Now is the time to look to the future. There is already a much improved service with the alternation of a fast passenger-only boat along with the previous vehicle-carrying vessel. Improved disability provisions are part of the plan. A new vessel for the passenger-only service is promised for 2009, and this must happen. Everyone should now pull together to ensure that Rathlin Island receives the best service for both residents and visitors.”

“I am very concerned about the errors in process that did occur. I am a member of the Assembly’s Finance Committee which has just started an inquiry into public procurement. The Rathlin Report found it necessary to make 12 recommendations to ensure proper process. I am bringing this report and the recommendations to the Committee to form part of its scrutiny. It is clear to me that for all the assurances that we get from the Central Procurement Directorate that all is far from well in public procurement. This will have to change.” (ends)