We need your help now
Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.
You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.
If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.
Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
By continuing, you are indicating that you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
THE FACT THAT Secretary General of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Robert Watt won’t appear before an Oireachtas committee “is an affront to democracy”.
That is the view held by the chairperson of the Oireachtas Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform Committee John McGuinness, who said members wanted to discuss matters relating to the department, including the cost of the Public Services Card (PSC) to date.
Watt has written to the committee stating that he cannot appear for a number of weeks due to the Budget being the busiest time for him.
“It is an affront to democracy, and this House, and that is not a throwaway remark. He was the one who spent that amount of money [on the PSC] on a project that does not fly,” McGuinness told TheJournal.ie.
The Secretary General stating that he cannot attend comes alongside Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe’s refusal to appear before the committee.
Donohoe was due to appear before the Oireachtas Finance Committee on Thursday.
Cost of the card to the State
McGuinness said the focus of the hearings is to discuss expenditure of the department, not government policy. He said he wanted to discuss the cost of the roll out of the card to the State to date.
He pointed out that using potential court proceedings as an excuse not to appear before the finance committee is not acceptable as the Data Protection Commissioner Helen Dixon is due to appear before the Public Accounts Committee next week.
During Leader’s Questions this week, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the government has yet to receive an enforcement action from the commissioner’s office.
He also told TheJournal.ie last week that no court documents have been filed by the government on the matter as of yet.
“If the Data Protection commissioner is due to appear in committee, then why can’t the minister and his officials,” questioned McGuinness.
“The issue here is we cannot hold that department accountable if the minister and now the secretary general refuse to appear,” he said.
He said Watt is “not fulfilling his duty as a secretary general if he does not come in to the committee in which is he responsible to”.
McGuinness said Donohoe not appearing on the issue is “political” but he added that “when civil servants are going to play that game” it is not acceptable.
In a letter to the committee chairperson, the finance minister declined to appear before the committee stating that he had hoped court action could be avoided over the PSC.
In his letter, he states that he had hoped a meeting between the Data Commissioner and Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty would take place.
“I did so in the sincere hope that Minister Doherty’s response to the Data Protection Commissioner’s (DPC) report and covering letter and the Minister’s request for a meeting, might have led to a round of positive discussions without any need to defer to the Courts for a definitive decision.
“However, the DPC replied to Minister Doherty on Thursday evening (5th September) advising that it was declining to engage in any discussions and intended to institute enforcement proceedings, which are subject to an appeals process in the Courts.”
It was confirmed this week that Doherty asked to meet with the commissioner, Helen Dixon, in relation to the PSC, however she declined.
Under the circumstances, Donohoe said it would “be inappropriate” for him to appear before the committee this week, adding that “it would be inappropriate for me to make any comment that might be seen to be, or be characterised as being, prejudicial to the consideration of the matters in the court”.
Data Protection Commissioner Helen Dixon has ordered the government to immediately stop processing the data of citizens contained on the card for services outside of the Department of Social Protection’s remit.
The long-awaited report about the PSC was made public this week.
In a statement to TheJournal.ie, a spokesman for the commission confirmed that it is preparing to issue a so-called enforcement notice to the department, which would order it to comply with data protection laws and to protect the rights of citizens.
After refusing to appear before committee, Donohoe went on in the letter to defend the social protection minister and the card.
“While Minister Doherty is by law the Minister responsible for issuing the Public Services Card and as such is the subject of the DPC investigation, it is worth highlighting my interest in the PSC project.
“First, as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, my interests lie in the judicious use of public finances. I believe it is a public service obligation to carry out the administration of services not only effectively, but also as efficiently as possible.
“This enables the Government to ensure that the highest proportion possible of the money we allocate to services goes to the point of service; for example welfare, health, teaching etc,” he said.
‘Wrong’ to abandon project
Donohoe said the government has invested heavily in the card, and said it would be “wrong” to pull the plug on the card now.
“The Public Services Card Project continues to provide a legal means by which the public can access government services in the most efficient, effective and secure means possible, either in person or online.”
While Donohoe said he had “the greatest respect” for the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner and the work it does, while he also “holds the advice of the Attorney General’s Office in the highest regard”.
He concluded by stating that he supports the Department of Social Protection minister’s view that she cannot withdraw or modify the use of the PSC or the data processes that underpin it, as has been requested by the DPC.
Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty, who is a member of the Finance Committee said:
“We regret the decision by Minister Donohoe to avoid scrutiny at the Finance Committee this week. The minister has been a champion of the Public Services Card since its creation, and has been instrumental in its roll out across several public services.”
He added:
In his letter the minister also states that it would be inappropriate for him to ‘make any comment that might be seen, or be characterised as being, prejudicial to the consideration of matters in the court’. Firstly, no court proceeding have yet been filed. And secondly, such considerations didn’t stop Minister Doherty from undermining the office of DPC on live radio.
The minister claims that his interests line in ‘the judicious use of the public finances’. This rings hollow when government now plans to use the public’s taxes to fund the Department’s challenge, and the regulator’s defence, in the courts. And all for a botched scheme that has cost the taxpayer €60 million to date.
We would call on the minister to come before the committee, whose interests lie in the judicious scrutiny of government.
It was confirmed by the Tánaiste this week that the PSC is no longer required for applicants seeking a passport.
Simon Coveney said this does not in any way undermine the government’s position, which is “rock solid” on this issue “and, if legally tested, will be strongly defended”.
The Data Protection Commissioner Helen Dixon is due to appear before the Public Accounts Committee next Thursday. It is understood the invite was extended to her officer prior to the release of her report on the PSC.
The meeting will focus on the office’s responsibility for EU-wide data protection in respect of Facebook, Google, Twitter, and whether her office has adequate resources to do so. Chairperson of the PAC Sean Fleming has said the matter of the PSC report findings will also be discussed.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Ireland’s first purpose-built Velodrome was in fact in Waterford and built at the turn of the 20th Century. There are still some remnants left of the Velodrome in The People’s Park on the south side of the city.
Another was later built in Kanturk in Co. Cork.
@CWrex: there is an outdoor one in sundries, crumlin
@Dermot Blaine:
@Dermot Blaine: Sundrive
Strangely enough, the article doesn’t quote any price -or I missed it- and says this vanity project will be ready in 3 years only… The National Children’s Hospital comes to mind…
Have indoor cycling and badminton become majority sports overnight? Will the outcomes justify the costs?
@Jerry LeFrog: and will these underfunded athletes be paid more to sustain themselves while training “at home”?
@Jerry LeFrog: since when do we only cater fir majority sports? GAA and horse racing gobble up the bulk of our sporting budget, but minority sports, like swimming, athletics , gymnastics cycling have to be catered for too. This velodrome is long overdue, should have been built years ago
@Jerry LeFrog: Did you ever think that the reason track cycling is a minority sport is that we DON’T have a decent veledrome?? Build It and They Will Come!
@Jerry LeFrog: why worry about a little thing like money or planning as we have plenty, sure with our new railway system, Metro, Cork Luas, Cork event centre, double dole, electric help out money and whatever you want yourself you’d think there was an election due to be called
@Jerry LeFrog: This is one of the reasons why we have nothing.
@Dermot Blaine: they should have included in their plans, as the uk have done, a full standard BMX track alongside to bring that minority sport into the next level.
@Jerry LeFrog: Hard to know, although it worked extremely well for Team GB who have pretty much dominated cycling at the Olympics for years. However this is Ireland, so as you say more than likely this centre will not be built by 2027, and will cost at least twice or treple the initial cost.
@Jerry LeFrog:
Yes
@James Mcnally: that’s true. Some of the velodromes in the UK make money by opening up bmx tracks, etc, to the public. BMX facilities are hugely popular in the UK. Virtually none here, then we complain there’s noting fir the kids to do. One of the highlights for me so far in the Olympics, apart from the Irish medals, was the BMX freestyle. It’s literally incredible what they do.
Ire-land is not really a cycling country thanks a bit to the weather, but mostly because of the appalling attitude and behaviour of car drivers.
@offside again: are you trying to start a heated conversation?
I can answer with the appalling behaviour of lycra-clad cyclists: always running red lights at speed, shouting at pedestrians who cross at green man in front of them, etc. How can you demand respect when you behave like that?
I’m all for sharing the roads, I cycle sometimes too for leisure, but when I do I stop at red lights and I don’t pretend the road belongs to me alone
@offside again: go back to bed.
@Jerry LeFrog: don’t mind her Jerry she loves a bit of drama, she is stirring the pot again
@Jerry LeFrog: No Jerry, I’m not. Just stating a fact. The behaviour of motorists is worse as they can kill. I’ve never cycled in Dublin but I did in the countryside, and I stopped because of the amount of times cars flew past with inches to spare. If I had had to avoid a pothole at the same moment, I’d be dead now.
@Jerry LeFrog: lol! Lycra-clad cyclists are a small minority of cyclists. Cyclists in Ireland are putting their lives on the line cycling on Irish roads every day.
@Sean Parker: I’d say you just got out of bed ..
@Patrick K: clown
@offside again: What about that glorious generation? Sean Kelly, Stephen Roche, the Tour De France racers slamming into the hay bales that lined o Connell st. in Limerick! great times. It does be wet tho
@James T.Kirk: they’re a minority, I grant you that, but a noisy and annoying one. And their behaviour sadly reflects on all cyclists… Hence the lack of respect
@offside again: fair enough, it can be dangerous down the country, and glad to hear you’re still in one piece. Driver ignorance must also be condemned, no doubt. When driving I always give a wide berth if overtaking cyclists, to the cost of waiting 1km for a safe opportunity if needs be.
What annoys me is cyclist behaviour in town and suburban areas, constant ignoring of traffic lights etc. as mentioned before.
@Jerry LeFrog: don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying I’m perfect, far from it! Very far…
I’m just considerate of others, and I respect the Rules of the Road.
@Jerry LeFrog: that ‘lack of respect’ gets cyclists killed you know. My experiences of Ire-land is that it’s (usually bad) drivers who think they own the road and Irish drivers are not great generally. I’ve cycled the length and breadth of France without a single problem. A different culture altogether !
@Jerry LeFrog: fair play Jerry ! Your name suggests you are French, hence your considerate driving !
Mind you, cycling in Paris was wild stuff !!!
@offside again: pi$$ of ye flute
@Stephen Foster: *off
@Stephen Foster: wow ! Using chav language and being worried about spelling at the same time ! That’s a good one tbf !
I bet you’re Ire-ish ..
@Jerry LeFrog: The Lycra Posse are an embarrassment to cycling. They actually pay to wear pro jerseys with sponsors logos wgich is pathetically childish,much like their petulance towards drivers, pedestrians and mountain bikers. Funny how it’s always the road bikers bitching and moaning. I’ve never once had a problem with any driver when I’m out cycling. And I don’t mind stopping and pulling in on a narrow road to let traffic pass me , because I actually realise that I’m not a professional cyclist unlike these sad and embittered road bikers.Bunch of Karens
@offside again: how about this… Tw@t….?
@offside again: and “chav” language..? I said “piss off ye flute”….ye really haven’t a clue.
@Stephen Foster: Stephen, deal with your anger issues ! Go out for a cycle..
OMG, imagine all the people we could house in it
And back into Dublin we go again in the traffic. What is the problem with building something like this in the midlands?
@colm kelly: it’s 2 miles off the m50, on a greenfield site we own. This was supposed to be built when the sports campus was first proposed but sidelind as unneeded. We now have a cadre of high performing Irish track cyclists who once again have to train abroad. Facilities are lacking in all sports here for all sports that compete on the world stage and instead of the Dublin once again debate, we should be happy it’s being built and looking for more centers of excellence nationwide. Sport dosent stop with hurling and football or horse racing
@Spanner: the Ire-ish don’t want good things for other people. Inward looking selfish people
@colm kelly: because it’s on an already existing sport campus/centre of excellence.
Out to tender,those last famous words, well I hope there is a clawback from who energetic to build it, if there are over spends or over runs on project. Let’s remember it’s taxpayers’ money.
@Colette Byrne: who ever gets to build, not energetic. Oops
Considering how rich this country is, we are so far behind when it comes to funding sports and the arts. We are constantly punching above our weight despite the lack of support from the government.
@Stephen Foster:
The Arts.
What a bunch of in entitled work dodgers.
They can go play with their hobbies on the weekend like the taxpayers have to.
@H Woo: imagine what the world would be like if we all had that attitude…..what a miserable git.
@H Woo: nobody ever created great art as a hobby, it always took decades of experience to build to that level. Disclosure, I work in an office am not an artist, but I am happy to support them with my taxes.
2027!!! What a joke it’s Paddy Ireland wake up it will never be done, it will be shelved when they get back into power, citing money problems as the reason it’s not being done
Great news. Good progression, but should have been built 30 years ago.
Cyclest are like dog owners that leave their Dog’s poop behind, they believe rules are for other people and refuse to follow them, then when an infringement is perceived against them they cry foul.
@Allo Allo: ignorant uneducated comment
@Allo Allo: not nice. The term cyclist covers a large number of disciplines. The vast majority of whom are commuters and yes many do disobey the rules of the road but so do many motorists, motor bikers, truck and van drivers. You can’t paint everyone with the same brush but don’t let this cloud your colourful opinion of cyclists.
Any chance of an ice rink in the Republic of Ireland no?
Will there be shuttle buses to it?
Hope it’s not another Dublin Tunnel ,or Chrildren’s Hospital,
gravytrain for TRAITORS.
Great news.
Whatever about cycling it’s a crying shame how neglected badminton is and has been .It is the most inexpensive sociable and user friendly sport imaginable .We have people playing it in parish halls all over the country and it should be very simple with support to organise county leagues ,provincials etc to be televised Without the oxygen publicity we will never see it develop ,When I said user friendly I can attest that it is a favourite sport of special needs adults and every age group out there .
have your say