Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Going back to what I said about decentralisation in respect of the broadband scheme, the information obtained from the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources under the freedom of information provisions shows the cost has increased because the Department had to hire consultants to implement the programmes because public servants were unwilling to decentralise. That is the point I was making.

The OECD is critical of the operation of quangos, particularly in regard to local authorities. We have a situation where, in many cases, the local authority is both regulator and service provider. This causes a clear conflict of interest, is inefficient and does not provide taxpayers with the service they expect for the taxes they pay. This is a central element of the issue and the task force should examine it and make recommendations to sort it out. However, we appear to be in a position where we have action plans, reports and task forces but the situation is drifting on and getting worse by the month.

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