Independent Ireland motion calls for new independent oversight body to address government waste

Independent Ireland will bring forward a motion in the Dáil tomorrow demanding a crackdown on government waste and stronger oversight of public expenditure. The motion calls for the establishment of an independent watchdog, the “Department of Efficiency and Reform,” tasked with ensuring taxpayers' money is spent responsibly and efficiently.

Party Leader Michael Collins TD said it is time to put an end to reckless government spending. “The people of Ireland work hard and pay their taxes in good faith, yet time and time again, we see waste, mismanagement, and no accountability. Whether it’s the spiralling costs of the National Children’s Hospital, the outrageous sums spent on government buildings, or unused equipment gathering dust, taxpayers deserve better. Our motion is about ensuring every cent is spent wisely, and that there are real consequences when it isn’t.”

The motion highlights a long list of costly failures, including the €808,000 Dáil printer scandal, the €725 million RTÉ bailout, and the €7 million spent by the Arts Council on an IT system that has never been used. It also points to the €22 million wasted on faulty ventilators during the Covid-19 pandemic and the €336,000 spent on a Leinster House bike shed.

Ken O’Flynn TD said the motion is about restoring trust in government. “Public confidence in government spending is at an all-time low. How can we ask people to pay higher taxes and charges when their money is being thrown away on ludicrous projects with no oversight? The waste must stop. The only way to fix this is by creating an independent, private-sector-led watchdog with real powers to audit, investigate, and hold decision-makers accountable.”

Richard O’Donoghue TD echoed the need for urgent reform. “The government continues to dodge responsibility while taxpayers foot the bill for endless overruns, failed projects, and bureaucratic incompetence. Our proposed watchdog would have the authority to conduct unannounced audits, investigate mismanagement, and ensure waste is tackled at the source. If we don’t act now, the waste will only continue.”

Michael Fitzmaurice TD said the time for half-measures is over. “For too long, the government have shrugged off these failures with no real consequences. This isn’t just a list of costly blunders; it’s a pattern of systemic dysfunction. We need independent experts from the private sector—accountants, auditors, and efficiency consultants—to bring real reform to public spending. If the government is serious about financial responsibility, they will back this motion.”

Independent Ireland is calling on all parties to support the motion and take meaningful steps to address waste and inefficiency. The party insists that real accountability and oversight are long overdue, and the creation of an independent spending watchdog is the only way to prevent future mismanagement of taxpayer funds.