As a result of Ireland's financial crisis there were calls before Christmas for the formation of a new body 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. 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 (pictured above). Colloquially, it is referred to as "An Bord Snip Nua".Today, the Department of Finance published An Bord Snip Nua's recommendations for around €5.3bn worth of public spending cuts. The 80-page report includes hundreds of proposals, including the abolition of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
It recommends a reduction of up to 5% in social-welfare rates, an increase in the retirement age, a reduction in the number of Irish embassies and increases in hospital charges. Other proposals include a cut of 500 in Defence Forces personnel, an amalgamation of small primary schools, means tests for home-care packages and reduced spending on road maintenance. An Bord Snip is also recommending the abolition of Sports Campus Ireland and the Irish Film Board, a 33% reduction in the number of VECs and the discontinuation of the rural transport scheme.
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