Civil servants must be held accountable

Your report (Irish Examiner, Sep 30) quotes the head of the Public Account Committee calling for civil servants to be “named and shamed” when it comes to the poor management of public money.

I am amazed it has taken so long for somebody to call for civil servants to be held accountable for their actions/inactions.

Senior civil servants have “flown under the radar” for too long while pandering to the whims of politicians. These civil servants have ensured politicians have travelled in style and comfort, looked after travel claims and allowances. Assisted in ensuring many of the “ridiculous” allowances and entitlements for politicians have been put in place. All In the interest of advancement of their own careers.

The lack of accountability or responsibility for handling of State funds is appalling and reflective of the “old boy network” existing in this country.

I was employed by an international organisation for 32 years. Certifying officers were held personally accountable/responsible for all expenditure they signed off on. Unfortunately in this country when it comes to State funds there seems to be a distinct lack of accountability and responsibility.

Michael A Moriarty

Rochestown

Cork