Diane Forsythe MLA commented:
“The scale of financial mismanagement within the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) is deeply concerning. The recent revelation of a £2.45 billion overspend on major capital projects raises serious questions about oversight, accountability, and the responsible use of taxpayers’ money.
This level of overspending is completely unacceptable, and what is even more alarming is the failure of the NICS to address it. When probed on the matter, it became clear that accountability mechanisms are wholly inadequate. The NICS Board does not have proper oversight. This is a system that lacks scrutiny and operates with a mega silo mentality.
It was even more astonishing to hear a senior civil servant, appearing before the Public Accounts Committee, indicate they did not wish to create another layer of scrutiny. That mindset must change. Taxpayers deserve better. Investment in public services is vital, but so too is ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. The NICS must urgently change its approach to achieve better outcomes with hard earned taxpayers’ money, and better accountability is key to achieving this end.”