Benchmarking policy ‘short-term thinking’

THE benchmarking process as it currently stands is the result of short-term political thinking for even shorter-term political gain, Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny told the Dáil last night.

Speaking on a Fine Gael private members’ motion on benchmarking, Mr Kenny said the process was the kind of self-serving thinking for which Ireland was paying too high a price and could no longer afford.

“Right now you could walk over to Grafton Street or down any street in Ireland, and ask anyone to name three specific improvements they’re paying for under benchmarking, and they’d be hard pressed to give you even one,” Mr Kenny said.