Information Gathering

5  We gathered the relevant information for our study in a number of ways.

  Document review. We undertook an examination of key documentation relating to this PFI deal. This included the outline business case, the full business case, documentation prepared by advisers and the Project Board papers.

  Review of the concession agreement. The concession agreement between Consul and the Service represents the key PFI contractual document. We reviewed this contract to examine how risk had been shared between the respective parties and to consider the appropriateness of the payment mechanism.

  Discussions with key players in the deal. We interviewed key people from the following stakeholders involved in the deal:

The Northern Ireland Court Service

Consul Service Limited

North Consulting (the Service's financial advisers for the deal)