Mayo TD slams government over 'staggering waste of public money'

Mayo Sinn Féin TD Rose Conway-Walsh has slammed the government for what she describes as the alarming level of waste in public spending as revealed in the Comptroller and Auditor General annual report.

In a week that began with revelations of a further €100,000 to be spent on another bike shelter, the details enclosed in this report reveal a staggering waste of public money, especially in relation to contracts agreed in the provision of accommodation for international protection applicants.

The Erris-based representative: “The report points to an extreme lack of due diligence and payment control in the awarding of IPAS contracts.

“This government has allowed a small number of private operators – many with no previous experience in migrant accommodation provision – to become multi-millionaires overnight at the expense of the Irish taxpayer.

“Just under €1 billion was spent in this area in 2024, without the proper safeguards in place.

"Now worrying revelations in this report show potential abuse of the system by providers out to profiteer off the backs of the Irish taxpayer and vulnerable people fleeing war and persecution.”

“Some companies were charging the State for beds that were not provided and others billed the Government for VAT when the accommodation is VAT exempt.”

“At a time when there are chronic understaffing issues at Mayo University Hospital, 245 people in Mayo on a waiting list for Home Help, families waiting years for adequate Pyrite redress and the R312 continues to deteriorate, this government is pouring millions and millions of people’s hard-earned money down the drain.

“And the fear is that this is just the tip of the iceberg.

"Those responsible must be held to account. A full and thorough review of every single IPAS contract must now be carried out.”