Privatisation on a grand scale is to proceed with news that Stormont officials are now pushing ahead with a multi-million pound Government buildings sell-off.

The development is proceeding after a legal challenge from a consortium called Partenaire, one of the unsuccessful bidders for the properties, was settled – on a confidential basis.

A spokesman for the Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP) said: "DFP and Partenaire can confirm that this matter has been resolved on terms confidential to both parties."

Now, the new Workplace 2010 scheme will proceed and when finished, see almost 80 civil service offices being taken over by the private sector.

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As Northern Ireland's biggest ever Private Finance Initiative (PFI) deal - it will transfer a range of government buildings to a private sector landlord - who will then rent them back to departments over a 20-year period.

However, SDLP MLA Declan O'Loan has criticised the secrecy surrounding the court case settlement.

Mr O'Loan, who sits on the Assembly's Finance Committee, said: "The stakes are huge in Workplace 2010.

"Three quarters of the civil service estate is to be sold to the private sector in return for a contract to upgrade and service the buildings over a 20-year period. The Executive stands to receive a £170m up-front payment."

Mr O'Loan said he saw no reason why the committee should not be told details of the settlement.

"We must be able to have confidence in the management of this project," he added.

"The Committee needs information about the deal in order to have that confidence."

(BMcC)