Call for 'traffic lights' to highlight infrastructure problems
A traffic light system should be used to alert the public to problems with major infrastructural projects, it was claimed today.
Fine Gael and Labour proposed the measure as part of a joint plan to deliver better value for money for taxpayers.
The plan sets out 40 recommendations, including the opening up of recruitment for senior civil service jobs and the creation of a reserve fund to hold back 2% of Government spending for important strategic projects.
Fine Gael Party leader Enda Kenny said the ‘The Buck Stops Here’ report offered a blueprint for a better government under his party and the Labour Party.
“The reason that such a report today is necessary is that no Government in the history of this state inherited a stronger economy. No Government was granted access to greater resources by the taxpayer, but no government has failed as dismally as this one to use the taxpayers’ money effectively,” he said.
Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte said better use of public money was all about political responsibility and ministerial accountability.
“The document sets out in detail the gaps in the existing system of ministerial accountability, which ministers are using to evade their responsibilities. We are determined to put in place a modern structure of accountability for ministers,” he said.
