Edward Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I raise a specific issue here today on the oversight of the various boards that are responsible for managing the spending of public money. We all know about the waste of public money that is making the headlines. Many are expressing outrage, but we are not hearing many solutions. We need to come up with changes and I offer one here today.

I have reviewed many State boards and I am struck by the lack of people on these boards who have accountancy, cost control or audit qualifications and experience. Is it any wonder then that we have poor oversight in terms of expenditure? I propose to the Taoiseach that all State-funded boards include at least one member with these qualifications and experience. This would be one small step in reducing the amount of uncontrolled spending we read about every other week.

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