Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in relation to NI Water Electrical Inspection, Testing Repair Contract, C1247, since 27 May 2025, to detail (i) the number of exceptional payments that were brought to the Board of NI Water for authorisation, including the value and purpose of each of those payments; (ii) the number of exceptional payments that were authorised by the Board of NI Water, including the value and purpose of each of those payments; and (iii) the total value of exceptional payments authorised by the Board.
Minister for Infrastructure: The issue you have raised is an operational matter for NI Water; however, I have sought the required information.
NI Water has advised my Department that it does not use the term “exceptional payment” as a defined category of expenditure. However, in terms of payments or financial commitments relating to Contract C1247 that required Board approval, NI Water advises that the Board approved a capped arrangement of up to £250,000 in respect of eligible TUPE-related costs. This represented a maximum potential financial exposure rather than an approved payment of £250,000. Payments are made only where eligible costs are incurred and substantiated in accordance with the contracted arrangements. Only a proportion of that amount has been paid to date. NI Water has also advised that further information regarding the specific purpose and operation of those arrangements cannot be disclosed as it is commercially sensitive and subject to contractual confidentiality obligations.
ENDS
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