The State is getting bigger
- Thread starter Purple
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It is for the workers concerned. Then again, any public servants will have to pass your analysis which can't be too good as we well know your point of view on the PS.
We all see the consequences of an all powerful state, the Soviet Union being the prime example. Shortages of food and consumer goods , too much focus on military and arms and stupid wars. China now with its zero covid policy when it has been abandoned by everyone else. An all powerful state cannot admit mistakes whereas private businesses cannot afford this luxury therefore they are much better at learning and changing things to the best methods.
Of course we are far from this extreme in Ireland now but we need to be very wary of giving too much power to central government and bureaucracies. They haven't a clue how to produce anything efficiently. Look at the HSE we hardly need more of these state organisations
Of course we are far from this extreme in Ireland now but we need to be very wary of giving too much power to central government and bureaucracies. They haven't a clue how to produce anything efficiently. Look at the HSE we hardly need more of these state organisations
No, it's getting bigger. The State is taking and then spending more and more of the Nations wealth. I'd have no real problem with that if they were any good at it but they aren't. They are grossly inefficient and so as they take more they waste more. Ultimately that will hurt everyone.
DazedInPontoon
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Do state's ever get smaller? As I understand it the pattern is generally states grow until they fail.
Yep, so why rush it?
DazedInPontoon
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I'm not arguing with you, I would generally like to see the state being as small as possible. But I expect it to keep growing.
I agree. The State takes your money and then gives it back to you less their costs. Child Benefit is a great example. They take €140 plus €X from you in taxes, €X being their costs. They keep €X and give you back the rest. I'd rather they didn't take it in the first place.
galway_blow_in
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Well it’s unquestionably what the population wants , population has swung considerably to the left this past decade and we were always a centre left country economically speaking anyway
Irish people love big government, from wealthy farmer’s to market stall operators
What wrong with the HSE? It's doing fine, all thing considered.
It's one of the best funded healthcare systems in the world but there are chronic waiting lists and constant backlogs in A&E Departments.
It's doing appallingly, all things considered.
RichInSpirit
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Interesting question Purple.
One thing I've noticed for a good few years now is this "Government of Ireland" mantra coming from the top. And it is bigger than just a political party or group of political parties. It is whole government/civil service apparatus.
In my opinion of course.
Well it hasn't got bigger in the areas it should have been getting bigger in such as building regulations. The local governments are still not inspecting buildings during construction even after the enormous cost of the pyrite and mica scandals. They want to throw the blame for this onto the whole construction industry even though it was a few rogue operators that were not rooted out by the state inspection apparatus . This would not have happened in UK for example as they have a robust inspection regime.
Because leaving anything important to the private sector is such a success and in the interest of the citizen...
Bank of Ireland - Bank of Ireland fined €100,520,000 for tracker scandal
I attach the Central Bank statement ENFORCEMENT ACTION Central Bank of Ireland and The Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland The Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland reprimanded and fined €100,520,000 by the Central Bank of Ireland for regulatory breaches affecting tracker...
www.askaboutmoney.com
Is the solution to get bigger or get better? Which is better, bigger bucket with holes in it or the same smaller bucket with fewer or no holes in it?
I'd rather see an emphasis on the State functioning better rather than the State getting bigger.
Was that a failure by the State to apply existing regulations properly?
Was is a failure of the State to construct legislation correctly?
Was it a failure of the Banks?
Was it a combination of all three?
There was a regulatory structure in place. It was inadequate and the people charged with overseeing it and making it work were inept. More bad regulation is not the solution to existing bad regulation.
T McGibney
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Agreed. The building sector is already grossly over-regulated and this has been a major factor in the building cost inflation we have experienced since circa 2010.
Obviously. However there is an indisputable need for the State and the State's services. It is 'getting bigger' partly because the private sector has clearly demonstrated that it cannot be trusted to regulate itself.
You'll have to explain how the biggest increases in state spending are related to regulation.
Because they're not.
Can the state regulate its own activities?
An Garda Siochana has no private sector competitor, and has been racked by scandal after scandal and abuse of power.