2 Feabh 2012, 16:41
As issues relating to the overall cost savings arising from the downsizing of the public service and concerns about the delivery of other savings and reforms under the Croke Park Agreement have been raised in recent weeks, the Committee of Public Accounts will examine these issues by calling P.J. Fitzpatrick, Head of the Implementation body set up to monitor the delivery of projects under the Agreement.
Chairman of the Committee, John McGuinness TD, said: “It is my view that these partnership type arrangements can no longer be placed outside Parliamentary scrutiny. While the PAC has no policy remit, it does have a role in evaluating the delivery of services that provide value for money. We should evaluate the implementation of the programme of change at this stage and not wait for a post evaluation down the line.
“We need to evaluate the progress being made in delivering public services more efficiently and effectively, given that 30% of all current expenditure (approx €16 billion) goes on public sector pay, with a further €3.8 billion on the public sector pension bill.”
Ends
For further information please contact:
Ciaran Brennan,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 3903
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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