NOBODY HAS suggested that a reduction in the number of Ministers of State will solve the Government’s appalling financial difficulties. But, as a way of emphasising the gravity of the economic situation and the need for cuts in established services and costs, it would send a powerful message to the community at large. There is little point in the Government seeking voluntary sacrifices from the public sector if the politicians in charge are not prepared to lead by example.
Most of those in line to lose ministerial positions resent the suggestion. That is understandable. Nobody welcomes demotion. But, as Ministers of State Martin Mansergh, Seán Power and Conor Lenihan courageously acknowledged, a smaller number of individuals could do the work involved. In truth, political expediency and a need to reward supporters caused a 33 per cent jump in the number of junior ministers between 1995 and 2007, without any obvious benefit to the State. There are now 20 Ministers of State. A few have been given clearly defined functions. It is difficult to know what some others do. If they attempt to be energetic, they are resented and sidelined by their senior colleagues. And the cost of providing for each of them, in salaries, expenses and support services, comes to about €500,000.
One Minister of State claimed his promotion had brought a fall in personal income of €20,000, through a loss of constituency travel and overnight expenses. That raises very serious questions about the liberality and control of Oireachtas allowances. This unvouched – and sometimes untaxed – expenses system has been a long-running cause of public concern. Last year, one TD claimed €100,000 in expenses and allowances, which exceeded the basic Dáil salary of €95,000. Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan recently indicated that the day of unvouched expenses and unjustifiable allowances may be coming to an end. In the present climate of fiscal retrenchment, it cannot happen soon enough. Great injury has been done to the standing of politicians by bad planning, unethical behaviour, and corruption. Fiddling expenses at Oireachtas and council level has been just another symptom of the malaise. That culture must be challenged and changed.
When the Taoiseach returns from Japan, his first important task will be to engage with the social partners on the measures required to shorten the recession and to minimise its impact on a growing number of unemployed. Difficult decisions will be required, involving public sector pay, investment and taxation measures. Government Ministers, who are among the best paid in the developed world, have already deferred special pay increases and accepted a 10 per cent cut in salary. That should be recognised as an important contribution. But if Brian Cowen wishes to be taken seriously when he talks about reform, productivity and value for money, he will have to tackle the bloated government structures and an unacceptable system of allowances and expenses he inherited from Bertie Ahern. A reduction in the number of Ministers of State would be a good start.