Pressure on Cowen to reveal Bord Snip report
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THE Government came under mounting pressure last night to publish the Bord Snip report on its delivery next week -- and to fast-track at least some of its recommendations.
There were calls for an immediate assault on the "low-hanging fruit" identified by Colm McCarthy and his colleagues, rather than wait for the Budget in December.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen came under fire after saying in the Dail that the menu of Snip recommendations would be addressed "in the autumn".
This contrasted with comments made by Finance Minister Brian Lenihan last September, who said the board's views were wanted by the end of June 2009 "so that savings can be made as soon as possible".
Former Cabinet minister Mary O'Rourke warned the Government that if the report was not published it would end up being leaked bit by bit.
"I would publish it in full, in all its horrors, and let us all digest it," she said.
Tackled
Fine Gael deputy leader and finance spokesman Richard Bruton said there was no reason why "low-hanging fruit" identified in the Bord Snip report should not be tackled straight away.
"If there are good ideas that are coming forward, then there is no reason why quick reforms cannot be implemented," he said.
Labour's Joan Burton also demanded the report be published early and in full.
"This slow-drip of information has to stop," she said. "The Government is playing guessing games."
Meanwhile, Tanaiste and Enterprise Minister Mary Coughlan last night dismissed reports about An Bord Snip's conclusions as "speculation" and "hearsay". She refused to be drawn on whether her own department might be reshaped or split.
- Senan Molony and Aine Kerr
