Menu
04/09/2001
Saville inquiry costs are spiralling “out of control”
As the Saville Inquiry resumes after a summer recess, it is estimated the inquiry into the events surrounding the Bloody Sunday incident where 13 people were shot dead in 1972 is set to run for another two years.
East Londonderry UUP Assembly member David McClarty has criticised the spiralling costs of the inquiry.
Mr McClarty described the Inquiry as an “extraordinary waste of tax-payer's money”.
He said: “Up until the 31st December last year, the Saville Inquiry had cost the Northern Ireland Office, over £33 million pounds. The costs per month continue to spiral and the inquiry is now predicted to run for another two years. It is clear the total Government expenditure is already well in excess of £50 million.”
Mr McClarty argued that the money being “thrown away” to lawyers being paid £1500 per day could be better spent on schools and hospitals.
He questioned if it was worth £50 million to have Martin McGuinness partially admit his IRA involvement.
“If the inquiry continues for another two years it will cost the taxpayer approximately £150 million. How many schools would that build and repair? Government needs to get a grip on this situation,” said Mr McClarty.
“The majority of people in Northern Ireland would agree that the Saville Inquiry is costing far too much money. The money that has been spent and is likely to be spent could be put to much better use.”
He called on the Government to carry out “rigorous financial evaluations” so that in the future the importance of an issue can be placed against the projected cost of the public inquiry. (SP)
East Londonderry UUP Assembly member David McClarty has criticised the spiralling costs of the inquiry.
Mr McClarty described the Inquiry as an “extraordinary waste of tax-payer's money”.
He said: “Up until the 31st December last year, the Saville Inquiry had cost the Northern Ireland Office, over £33 million pounds. The costs per month continue to spiral and the inquiry is now predicted to run for another two years. It is clear the total Government expenditure is already well in excess of £50 million.”
Mr McClarty argued that the money being “thrown away” to lawyers being paid £1500 per day could be better spent on schools and hospitals.
He questioned if it was worth £50 million to have Martin McGuinness partially admit his IRA involvement.
“If the inquiry continues for another two years it will cost the taxpayer approximately £150 million. How many schools would that build and repair? Government needs to get a grip on this situation,” said Mr McClarty.
“The majority of people in Northern Ireland would agree that the Saville Inquiry is costing far too much money. The money that has been spent and is likely to be spent could be put to much better use.”
He called on the Government to carry out “rigorous financial evaluations” so that in the future the importance of an issue can be placed against the projected cost of the public inquiry. (SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 November 2001
Human Organs Inquiry set to answer public’s questions
The Human Organs Inquiry set up by the Department of Health has invited members of the public to come and air their views and listen to health service staff as well as relatives affected by the retention of human organs in Northern Ireland.
Human Organs Inquiry set to answer public’s questions
The Human Organs Inquiry set up by the Department of Health has invited members of the public to come and air their views and listen to health service staff as well as relatives affected by the retention of human organs in Northern Ireland.
16 November 2012
Criticism Over Delay In Bloody Sunday Arrests
The PSNI faces criticism over its failure to arrest or interview soldiers involved in Bloody Sunday.
Criticism Over Delay In Bloody Sunday Arrests
The PSNI faces criticism over its failure to arrest or interview soldiers involved in Bloody Sunday.
04 November 2003
McGuinness tells Saville Inquiry of IRA past
Sinn Féin MP Martin McGuinness has informed the Saville Inquiry that at the time of Bloody Sunday he was the adjutant and within two weeks of the incident he was the head of the Provisional IRA in Derry.
McGuinness tells Saville Inquiry of IRA past
Sinn Féin MP Martin McGuinness has informed the Saville Inquiry that at the time of Bloody Sunday he was the adjutant and within two weeks of the incident he was the head of the Provisional IRA in Derry.
11 February 2008
Bloody Sunday Costs Averaging 500K A Month
Costs for the Bloody Sunday Inquiry are averaging around £500,000 a month even though it has not held any hearings since 2005. The Government has revealed that the bill for the inquiry has now passed the £180m mark and more than half of the overall cost is believed to be on legal bills.
Bloody Sunday Costs Averaging 500K A Month
Costs for the Bloody Sunday Inquiry are averaging around £500,000 a month even though it has not held any hearings since 2005. The Government has revealed that the bill for the inquiry has now passed the £180m mark and more than half of the overall cost is believed to be on legal bills.
12 September 2024
Hilary Benn Announces Public Inquiry Into Pat Finucane Murder
Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, has announced a decision to establish an independent inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005 into the murder of Patrick Finucane. The 39-year-old solicitor was shot dead at his home in front of his wife and children by loyalist paramilitaries in February 1989.
Hilary Benn Announces Public Inquiry Into Pat Finucane Murder
Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, has announced a decision to establish an independent inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005 into the murder of Patrick Finucane. The 39-year-old solicitor was shot dead at his home in front of his wife and children by loyalist paramilitaries in February 1989.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with a little light rain or drizzle at times, but some spells of drier weather too. The north coast may become somewhat brighter later this afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Cloudy and patchy light rain will slowly clear away this evening. Then the rest of the night will be dry with broken cloud. Westerly winds freshening in the early hours. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
