C&AG Warns of €90 Billion Public Spending Crisis in Ireland
The Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) has issued a stark warning about the state of public spending in Ireland. The annual report highlights significant shortcomings in major spending programmes, totalling nearly €90 billion annually.
The C&AG's report underscores the need for ministers and senior officials to prioritise delivery near me in ongoing spending programmes. A common issue identified is the lack of modern control systems and key information in critical areas of expenditure.
The report reveals instances of poor management and lack of attention in spending public money. This includes the development of a new national science centre and Garda policing of a UEFA football final. In housing projects, inadequate information heightens risks, with case studies showing vast disparities in delivery costs. The responsible authority for the central database system in housing projects remains unclear, and expected completion dates are not provided.
In primary care centres, the C&AG finds the programme requires review, with no delivery targets set and incomplete information about services offered. Moreover, there is no central database of housing projects delivered under the relevant department's housing programme. The Office of Public Works was also found to have incomplete and incorrect details of its property portfolio and questions over lease management.
The C&AG's report serves as a stark reminder of the need for improved management and oversight in public spending. With annual spending totalling nearly €90 billion, addressing these shortcomings is crucial to ensure value for money and effective delivery of public services.
