FG: Doubling spending fails to deliver services
The Government doubled spending but failed to deliver services where they were needed most, it was claimed today.
Fine Gael’s finance spokesman, Richard Bruton, lashed out at the Government’s record, saying people were paying more taxes now than when the coalition first came to power.
Mr Bruton said every household is now paying nearly €9,000 more in taxes than in 1997.
“Despite this massive increase in the volume of taxation being raised by the Government, they have failed, spectacularly in some instances, to put this money to best use by delivering frontline services where they are needed most,” he said.
Mr Bruton said the “charade” of Budget day should be scrapped, with ministers being made more accountable for their spending.
“Ministers should be able to answer for delivery if they want the Dáil to approve funding,” Mr Bruton said.
On the upcoming Estimates and Budget, Mr Bruton said: “They are very unsatisfactory as they promote short-term thinking and allow secrecy about things that should not be secret at all.”
