Why did Government let its accountability body run aground?

IN 2016, we were emerging from the detritus of the economic crash and the austerity years that followed. We were told there would be great emphasis on value for money and performance in public life, especially since public service pay cuts were being reinstated. We were also told of attempts to keep the upper echelons of our public service accountable for their performance.

It now emerges that the Government has allowed a pretty basic committee of accountability to wither on the vine.

Former minister for Public Expenditure Brendan Howlin was instrumental in establishing the Civil Service Accountability Board in 2015 but, as we reveal today, it met only four times, the last of them six years ago. The Taoiseach himself admits that, to all intents and purposes, the committee no longer functions.

It would be fine if the public could safely assume there is no need to look at the activities of the higher-ups in the permanent government. But in the past year alone, we have seen controversial pay hikes; an initial non-investigation of top mandarins in champagnegate; and, most recently, a contretemps between a secretary general and a minister in a bar.

The topic of their engagement: accountability.

Of course, it is debatable that the committee ever would have taken action in these cases anyway. But the cynical nature of just forgetting about the initiative is remarkable for its totally unsurprising nature. Shocking yes. But not surprising.

The continued lack of accountability, which we have highlighted so many times in these pages, illustrates the disdain the public service appears to betray.

This was an interface between politicians – the gatekeepers we elect – and the heads of civil service departments.

The failure to continue with it is a slap in the face to the minister who established it at the time – and to taxpayers.

What is required is a full, frank and speedy review into why this particular committee was allowed run into the ground, and not only its re-establishment, but a return to a robust operation to help ensure that the important goals of a better-run, more efficient service, ensuring better value, are met.

The Irish public service does a lot of good work, and there are many laudable things to be said about its diligence and ability.

But its reluctance to engage with confidence-building measures in the oversight of efficiency and performance is not acceptable. It will only continue the corrosive derision in which the service is held by those who see these positions as jobs for life, with zero accountability, paid for by the public purse.

MARTIN’S ILLNESS NO CAUSE FOR GLEE

NAPOLEON favoured lucky generals, so it is fair to ponder what he would make of our unfortunate Taoiseach.

Micheál Martin famously had to leave his family behind when he achieved his lifetime ambition of being appointed to the post.

Now, having brought them with him on the trip of a lifetime to the Oval Office for St Patrick’s day, he has seen the trip spoiled by Covid-19, the foe he has spent his entire time in office fighting on behalf of the Irish people.

We are critical of Mr Martin and his Government when it is appropriate.

However, those people - mainly online - who took pleasure in the positive test for the illness this week do not represent the reasonable citizen, who not only wishes him a full recovery, but also a quick return home.