The flotation of State-sponsored bodies' (SSBs) equity and the development of private-sector finance initiatives would provide alternative investment options for the public, a leading economic consultant has stated. Mr Peter Bacon, principal of Bacon & Associates Economic Consultants, says in the current issue of Irish Banking Review that the use of investment funds in this manner would contribute to the long term development of SSBs and the financing of public infrastructure programmes.

Private-sector finance initiatives involve the Government encouraging the private sector to become involved in projects which the taxpayer would normally fund.