Seanad debates

Thursday, 19 June 2003

OECD Economic Survey of Ireland 2003: Statements.

 

The OECD points out that, as far as the public finances are concerned, we have a debt-GDP ratio in the order of 35%. Public finances are, therefore, quite healthy at present and it is important that they should remain that way. As Senator Bradford observed, the organisation puts great emphasis on the importance of value for money, be it in the area of health or that of public transport. We have had examples of matters involving both areas in recent days. The thrust of the health reports and the recommendations they contain is that we must get better value for the level of health spending. Increased health spending has not necessarily been ruled out, but there is a strong desire that it should be more efficient when, and if, it is increased. The position is similar with regard to public transport, in respect of which a number of alarming estimates have been doing the rounds for a year or two. Before we embark on projects in areas such as those to which I refer, it is essential to ensure that we are getting what we need at a reasonable, as opposed to an absolutely astronomical, price. While I am all in favour of a metro, I do not think the country should bankrupt itself several times over to obtain it.

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