Marian Harkin Questions Value of Revised Estimates, Seeks CNAG Review
Marian Harkin addressed revised estimates in Leinster House, asking whether they represent value for money and whether the CNAG will automatically review them. She framed the spending as required because of the COVID-19 crisis and to prepare for Brexit, urging clarity on accountability for tax monies.
Main concern
Marian Harkin asked whether the revised estimates will contribute in a positive and tangible way to improving services and protecting the economy, pressing the point that TDs are deciding how constituents' tax monies are spent.
Accountability and CNAG review
She directly questioned whether the CNAG will review these revised estimates in three months and six months, asking if such review is automatic or only happens in certain circumstances, and seeking clarity for the public watching the debate.
Context of spending
Harkin noted the revised estimates are needed because of the COVID-19 crisis and to better prepare for Brexit, framing those crises as the justification for the additional spending under consideration.
Parliamentary background
Speaking as someone new to this House, she referenced her prior experience where the Court of Auditors assessed EU spending and contrasted that with oversight here by the CNAG, underlining the need for external review and transparency in Leinster House.
We publish thousands of recordings to make Irish politics transparent and resistant to manipulation. Spotted an error? Report it — together we are building a reliable archive of Irish politics.
Teachta, it's my first opportunity, so can I congratulate you on your new appointment and I want to wish you and your government well, because good government is good for the Irish people. Now, today we're debating these estimates and when we vote on them as TDs in this House, we are, as representatives of the Irish people, deciding how the tax monies of our constituents are being spent. And we know these monies are required because of the COVID-19 crisis and also you want to be better prepared for Brexit, which is certainly something we need to do. But I suppose the question that many people, let's say who are watching this discussion here today, will be saying to themselves, do these revised estimates represent value for money? Will they contribute in a positive and tangible way to improving services and protect our economy? Now, I'm sort of new to this House, but in the last House where I had the privilege to serve, we had the Court of Auditors and they would assess the spending of the EU budget and here I know it's the CNAG. So what I want to ask you, my first question is, will the CNAG review these revised estimates in three months and six months, whenever? Is that automatic or does it only happen in certain circumstances? And as I said, I'm thinking of the ordinary person sitting down, watching this on the TV right now. Those guys, those women in Leinster House are deciding how we spend our money, will we get value? So I did listen to what you said, some good points there, but my question is specifically around the CNAG reviewing these specific estimates and coming back. Is it automatic? Thank you.
Thank you for downloading 🙏
If you publish this material on social media, we would be very grateful if you tagged VideoParliament. It helps us reach more people and keep building a transparent archive of Irish politics.
