Purcell to step down as public finances watchdog

THE man responsible for highlighting public sector cock-ups and money down the drain is to retire after more than 13 years in office.

Comptroller and Auditor General John Purcell is to step down on May 14 — confirmed yesterday in a statement from the President, Mary McAleese, who said she had accepted his resignation on the advice of the Government.

During his time as watchdog of the public finances, Mr Purcell compiled countless memorable forensically prepared reports detailing use and abuse of taxpayer’s money. They included:

His report examining the process which led to the deal between Church and the Government on compensation for victims of sexual abuse. Mr Purcell was critical of the Department of Education’s attempts to determine the possible final cost of compensation. The figure was mooted by the department originally to be around €200 million, instead of the €1 billion-plus it cost the taxpayer.

His report into the PPARS computer payroll system for the health sector. Initially costed at €9.14m in 1998, by the end of August 2005, five weeks before the unfinished system was suspended pending review by the Health Service Executive, the costs incurred had reached €131m.

His report into the operation of bogus non-resident accounts and DIRT formed a vital backdrop for the subsequent inquiry.

Last Friday, his report into how the National Museum of Ireland manages its collection found that four million pieces are at risk because of shoddy storage facilities, poor management and scant record keeping.

The reason behind Mr Purcell’s decision to retire in May was unclear last night.

Married with three children, he celebrated his 60th birthday last year. His successor has not yet been revealed.