Rathlin Ferry Service

Mr Wells asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the total
cost of the investigation into the procurement of Rathlin ferry service.

(AQW 3482/09)

The Minister for Regional Development: I consider it important to put on

record that the overall conclusion of the investigation is that there was
nothing untoward in the Department’s approach and decision-making.

Specifically, the report concludes that there is absolutely no evidence to

suggest that the Department or Central Procurement Directorate in DFP
sought to manipulate the outcome of this tender.

Secondly, the objective of a tender competition is to achieve better value for

money. In this instance we also wanted an improved level of service for the
islanders and visitors. This competition achieved those objectives. We now
have better value for money for the taxpayer and a much improved level of
service which, I understand, is a view held by many of the islanders.

Thirdly, the report concludes that there was no manifest error in the award
of the contract to the new service provider. The report does find that there
were some errors in relation to administration of the tender. However, these
errors did not affect the overall outcome of the tender competition.

The report is also very clear in its conclusion about the serious allegations
made about the conduct of DRD staff. The report concludes that there is no
substance to the allegations that DRD officials undermined, harassed or
bullied complainants. The report did find errors in the judgement exercised
by an official in the handling of information from people who considered
themselves to be ‘whistleblowers’.

This was a complex and delicate investigation the total cost of which is
estimated to be £55,000. Contained in the aforementioned figure is an
amount of £20,000 for services provided by the Department’s Internal Audit
Branch, which was not an additional cost to the Department.