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An Bord Snip is the colloquial, and humorous, term for Irish government cost-cutting boards charged with reducing expenditure in the public sector. The term is a mix of Irish and English words. Many state agencies in Ireland have the words "An Bord" (meaning "The Board") in their title, like Bord Iascaigh Mhara, The Irish Sea-Fisheries Board. "Snip" refers to the cost-cutting remit of the group. In 2008 another board, referred to as "An Bord Snip Nua" was appointed. "Nua" is the Irish word for "new".

Expenditure Review Committee

The first "Bord Snip" established by Taoiseach Charles Haughey and Minister for Finance Ray MacSharry in 1987.[1] It was officially called the "Expenditure Review Committee". It was the first time the term "An Bord Snip" was used.

Membership

It was a three-man committee comprising two senior civil servants, Sean Cromien and Bob Curran, and a private sector economist, Colm McCarthy.[2]

Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes

As a result of declining global conditions, a collapse in the building industry and a contraction in bank lending, Ireland's financial crisis emerged in 2008. From a peak in 2007, tax revenue from VAT (value-added tax, a form of sales tax), Stamp Duty and Capital Gains Tax, all fell sharply in nominal terms. In an attempt to curtail declining income tax revenue, an additional income levy on 1% and 2% was introduced and it became clear that a cut in public spending was required.The government was facing a budget deficit of some €6 billion for the fiscal year '09.

There were calls for the formation of a new "Bord Snip" to identify areas for cut-backs in public expenditure. A group of experts was called together at the behest of the Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan.[3] The group's formal title is "Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes". It is a four person group, headed by University College Dublin economist Colm McCarthy. Colloquially it is referred to as "An Bord Snip Nua".

Membership

Panel of Advisers

Brief

The Taoiseach Brian Cowen, stated that the "Special Group’s examination of all programmes funded through public expenditure will focus on whether scarce financial resources are being deployed to achieve priority policy objectives. The Group will identify options for savings in the context of the Government’s fiscal objectives as set out in Budget 2009. It will also ensure that public expenditure is being used to address relevant priority policy objectives in the current fiscal environment."[5]

  • The group is charged with identifying cuts in spending and staff numbers, quangos (quasi-autonomous government organisations) that can be merged or abolished and recommend ways of obtaining better value for taxpayers' money.
  • The group has scope to examine the terms and conditions, tenure and pension entitlements of new recruits to the public service.
  • The group will have to reduce and/or discontinue expenditure programmes with a view to eliminating the current budget deficit by 2011.
  • The group's ability to recommend public sector downsizing is causing some consternation and anxiety among those affected in the public sector.
  • The group published its report on 16th of July 2009 in two volumes. [1] [2]]

See also

References

  1. ^ Moloney, Senen (3 December 2008). "'An Bord Snip' rolled out to tackle Exchequer shortfall". Irish Independent. Retrieved 6 February 2009.
  2. ^ Ine Kerr (27 November 2008). "'An Bord Snip Nua' told to wield the axe". Irish Independent. Retrieved 6 February 2009.
  3. ^ "Public service must be reformed". The Irish Times. 27 November 2008. Retrieved 6 February 2009.
  4. ^ "Members of An Bord Snip are named". Business World. Retrieved 6 February 2009.
  5. ^ "Taoiseach's Statement on Tranforming Public Service". Department of the Taoiseach. 27 November 2008. Retrieved 6 February 2009.
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