Fine Gael Deputy for Longford-Westmeath, Peter Burke, has been appointed to the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee.
Deputy Burke, a chartered accountant by profession, said he is delighted to have received the appointment and is ready to take on the challenge of the heavy workload ahead.
“I am delighted that the Taoiseach has selected me to represent Fine Gael on the Public Accounts Committee,” he said. “The committee deals with a huge workload and actively operates as a watchdog on all public spending. I have followed the work of PAC closely and have gained a lot of experience working in the private sector for over 10 years which I hope will now be a huge asset to my work on the committee.”
Members of PAC ensure that there is accountability and transparency in the way Government agencies allocate, spend, and manage finances and in guaranteeing that the taxpayer receives value for money for every euro spent.
“I believe I have the necessary skills to play a central role on the committee on behalf of both the Irish citizens and the people of Longford and Westmeath who gave me the honour to represent them in the 32nd Dáil,” Deputy Burke said. “I understand and respect the responsibility that goes with the role and I am really looking forward getting into the business of the committee when it meets.
“The PAC has been a forum where party allegiances have been left at the door in the past and I look forward to working with colleagues from all parties and none in the coming months and years.”
Deputy Burke has also been appointed to the Oireachtas Finance Committee, another forum which deals with high-level financial data and issues. He said his priorities on the Finance Committee will be to ensure mortgage rates continue to decrease, insurance costs are tackled, and that banks deal with mortgage arrears in a fairer and more responsible manner.
