Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK has promised a full Government response to a report from Tynwald’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on spending on consultants to review the future of the National Insurance Fund.
The report is being laid before the July Tynwald but under the process for consideration of such reports it is not due to be debated until a later sitting, allowing time for Government to produce a response.
The Chief Minister noted that amongst its conclusions PAC had actually confirmed that Government did have the legal authority or vires for the expenditure without reference to Tynwald. He also observed that the report had not questioned the need for the review.
Mr Bell commented:
‘Not surprisingly this is a highly political report, angled to reinforce a particular view of Government. We need to look beneath the dramatic language of its commentary to consider the underlying issues here.
‘I am concerned at the perception that Government’s focus on its policy priorities has led it to lose sight of the importance of process, and I think we should reflect on that.
‘Government is indeed determined to get things done, and to deliver its Agenda for Change, but of course there must also be confidence that the proper procedures are being followed.’
‘As Chief Minister I take a serious view of this issue. This report from the Public Accounts Committee will be given careful examination so that Government can provide a full and considered response for Tynwald in due course.’
