"Government refusing to release revised estimates on National Children's Hospital might have something to do with tomorrow's by-election"

"Government refusing to release revised estimates on National Children's Hospital might have something to do with tomorrow's by-election" – Tóibín

The Aontú leader, Peadar Tóibín TD has speculated that the government's refusal to disclose details of the revised estimates of the costs of the new National Children's Hospital is because they may wish to wait until after the by-election is held tomorrow.

Deputy Tóibín was speaking after he quizzed the Minister for Finance in the Oireachtas Finance Committee this afternoon. He said:

"The National Pediatric Hospital Development Board today refused to disclose details of the latest revised estimates for the National Children's Hospital to the Health Committee. Parallel to that meeting I asked in the Finance Committee if the Minister for Finance knew the estimates and if he could disclose them to the committee. He refused to answer my question on the grounds that it wasn't relevant to the legislation being discussed. This is contempt for parliamentary democracy and oversight. We are not asking the Ministers to betray any secrets. The people have a right to know what is happening with their money”.

“I would suspect that the real reason for this is because Fine Gael wish to maintain their image as the party of economic prudence until after the ballots close in Dublin Bay South tomorrow evening, lest people be reminded of the hames they made and are continuing to make of the NCH. I hope the people of Dublin Bay South do not forget about the many overspends and instances of downright wasting of taxpayer money in recent years", concluded Tóibín.

ENDs

See Committee Exchange Here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16oVrDu2FLqHVQfr245ycoiFKKpD_Nh_F/view?usp=sharing

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.