Dear Sir/Madam – In a recent opinion piece by Justine McCarthy, they express their ridicule concerning the extravagant €336,000 spent on a bike shed, stating there must be someone held accountable for such. Yet, to Justine’s dismay, my belief is that no one will be held to account, especially senior public service managers. The reason – an interpretation of ‘accountability’ in a public expenditure and reform document declared in January 2014. The explanation states that, within the framework of the government system, it is an obligatory requirement to allow an external review of past actions and behaviours with the potential for facing ramifications.
Nonetheless, the reality in Ireland has been a complete disregard for the latter, with consequences either non-existent or merely cursory, leaving many to get away with questionable actions. This arguably extends to senior roles within various sectors and organisations, including, but not limited to, healthcare, policing and environmental affairs.
A mere €336,000 expenditure on a cycling shed pales insignificantly when contrasted with the abundant waste amounting to millions by the Office of Public Works, a fact plainly visible over the previous ten years. The political outcry concerning this latest misspending rings hollow. It is quite clear that our elected officials are answerable for the institutional immaturity.
EDDIE MOLLOY,
Rathgar,
Dublin 6.
Sir/Madam – Some nine years ago, I responded to a job alert for an apprenticeship with the Office of Public Works, to learn the art of carpentry. I was left wondering about the relevance of the queries posed at the interview. In particular, one inquiry about my knowledge of the OPW’s annual budget seemed wholly arbitrary. Reflecting on the recent bicycle shade expenditures, I now realise my response to that inquiry could have been: indefinite.
JAMIE GILLEN,
Stepaside,
Co Dublin.