2 Feb 2012, 11:58
John McGuinness TD, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, has said that the Public Accounts Committee should have the power to investigate local authorities so that an immediate investigation into public spending on the Poolbeg incinerator can take place.
Deputy McGuinness was commenting at today’s meeting of the PAC and following Tuesday’s RTÉ Primetime investigation of the proposed Poolbeg incinerator. This programme uncovered that €81 million has been spent on the project to date, including €29 million on consultants, with 95% of this spending being carried by the taxpayer.
Under the current rules that govern the work of the Public Accounts Committee, local authority spending cannot be examined. Deputy McGuinness has said that the powers of the PAC should be expanded to allow for an immediate investigation into Poolbeg spending.
Deputy McGuinness said: “I think it is now a matter of urgent public interest that the Public Accounts Committee examines the proposed Poolbeg incinerator. Not one block has been laid, yet €80 million in taxpayers’ money has been spent on this project since 1999. A total of €29 million alone has been spent on consultants, with more than €4 million of this on public relations.
“This is an extraordinary level of spending. It is hard to see how this spending could ever have been justifiable, but in Ireland’s current economy situation it has to be scrutinised at the highest level. In addition, given all of the spending that has taken place, I believe it was unacceptable that none of the parties which sanctioned this spending and are promoting this project agreed to take part in the RTÉ Primetime programme.
“The rules which govern the working of the Public Accounts Committee should be updated to allow for local authorities to be held to account for their spending.
“In the meantime, I believe that the Comptroller and Auditor General should examine the spending on the Poolbeg project.
“I believe the Government should now prioritise the reform of the PAC to allow for local authority spending to be investigated. If the Government does not move on this urgent need I will be bringing forward legislation in Private Members Time to make this change.”
Ends
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Committee of Public Accounts
Membership
John McGuinness (Chairman)
Kieran O’Donnell (Vice Chairman)
Paul J Connaughton,
John Deasy,
Paschal Donohoe,
Anne Ferris,
Simon Harris,
Michael McCarthy,
Mary Lou McDonald,
Sean Fleming,
Eoghan Murphy,
Derek Nolan,
Shane Ross