Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Public money should be respected and spent in a way that will benefit the people- Boylan

Published: 23 April, 2009

Commenting on questions on committee travel expenditure asked of the Assembly Commission, Newry and Armagh Sinn Fein MLA Cathal Boylan said:

"While I acknowledge that visits are sometimes beneficial and that there is merit in seeking evidence of programmes and best practice models that have worked in other areas, we must be mindful of the current economic situation and realise that any saving that can be made at present should be carefully examined."

"This is public money and should be spent in a way that will benefit the people. It is disrespectful to spend money flippantly whilst those whom we represent are experiencing severe difficulty and suffering extreme hardship. Unemployment is increasing rapidly; almost daily we hear of further job losses."

"In my own constituency there is a lack of jobs, and proposals for hospital closures have threatened to cut deep into the heart of Armagh City's reliance on public sector jobs."

Mr. Boylan concluded by stating that whilst the Assembly may have limitations in addressing the current downturn, he believes that members should be leading by example in tightening their belts in these difficult times. Curtailing committee travel where possible would be a good place to start."