Sir, – Eamon Ryan says that the growth in the size of the economy has not been matched by an increase in the size of the State (“Ryan calls for major increase in size of State”, News, April 27th).
The reality is strikingly different to the Minister’s assertion. Strong evidence suggests that we have well-funded public services that underdeliver, continuously, on both quality of service and value for money analysis. Irish public expenditure has exploded in the past six years, from €68.9 billion in 2017 to €103.5 billion this year – a dramatic surge in spending by any reasonable assessment. This spending growth is far in excess of inflation over the same period and ahead of economic growth too (as properly measured by GNI*).
On health spending, the OECD says we are a top spender in any international analysis and the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council backs this up. Clearly it is tempting and convenient for Mr Ryan to ignore value for money in public spending analysis, but it is a big ask for taxpayers to ignore the quality of service outcomes from public spending. Truly, the cost of the State’s involvement in our daily lives shows no signs of abating; and this from the centrist parties Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. In fairness to Paschal Donohoe and Michael McGrath, they do attempt to demonstrate reasonable control on public expenditure but what will it be like if left-wing populist parties enter government after the next election? Will they be able to say no to any sizable lobby group demand?
In advance of the election, a reality check on public spending is required. The appropriate question for Ministers such as Eamon Ryan to address is what value and outcomes are we getting from our presently high level of public expenditure?
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We need an independent commission on public spending. – Yours, etc,
MARK MOHAN,
Castleknock,
Dublin 15.
