[1.1.2]

1.1.2 However, SoPC does not address issues specific to Northern Ireland.

The Strategic Investment Board, therefore, produced in October 2004 version 1 of the Standardisation of PFI Contracts, Northern Ireland ("SoPCNI").

After careful consideration the Strategic Investment Board also decided in September 2006 to take the opportunity to publish the second edition of SoPCNI ("SoPCNI 2"). SoPCNI 2 was consulted on and incorporated the provisions of the December 2005 Addendum to SoPC3 into the standardised guidance and provided additional guidance in relation to the occurrence of events which give rise to a claim for compensation under the Criminal Damage (Compensation) Northern Ireland Order 1977. Further following receipt of helpful comments received during the consultation period, in particular from the PPP Forum and NIAO, several small changes to SoPCNI 2 were made to the provisions relating to capital contributions, authorisation of capped liabilities and Criminal Damage.

The Strategic Investment Board has now decided to publish the third edition of SoPCNI ("SoPCNI 3") to reflect version 4 of SoPC which incorporates new legislation, reflects the most up to date developments in the PFI market and provides new guidance.