1. The Minister of Finance does not have the authority to conclude country agreements for the nuclear new build programme on behalf of government. In addition, the Minister does not have the mandate to determine policy or implementation frameworks for the energy sector. The Minister of Finance’s role in this regard will relate to Sections 66 and 70 of the Public Finance Management Act, which requires concurrence for any guarantee, indemnity or security that binds the National Revenue Fund to future financial commitments. In addition, the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act allows the Minister of Finance to make exemptions from provisions in the interests of national security, if the likely tenderers are international suppliers, or if it is in the public interest.
2. If any agreements have been concluded regarding project management and the construction of specified nuclear power plants, it would be between the relevant accounting authority and the service provider. Such agreements do not necessarily require the approval of the Minister of Finance.