Sir, – I’m a bit of a slow learner but the penny is finally beginning to drop.
€54 million for electronic voting machines? That’s dynamic polling.
€2.24 billion for a new children’s hospital? That’s dynamic tendering.
€500 for a concert ticket? That’s dynamic pricing.
€336,000 for a bike shed? That’s dynamic sub-contracting. – Yours, etc,
NOEL SHANAGHY,
Faithlegg,
Co Waterford.
Sir, – Justine McCarthy’s litany of fiascos is a wake-up call to all politicians and senior civil servants (“If you laughed at the one about the Leinster House bike shelter, you’ll love the one about the loo rolls”, Opinion & Analysis, September 6th). Like most taxpayers, I pay my taxes on the understanding these funds are managed in a professional manner.
It now appears there is a complete lack of accountability. – Yours, etc,
MIKE CORMACK,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – Perhaps in the interest of transparency, the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee might be disposed to hold their next meeting in the new shed. – Yours, etc,
CORMAC MEEHAN,
Bundoran,
Co Donegal.
Sir, – Further to my letter yesterday (September 6th), I’m concerned that the introduction and wide acceptance of the National Bicycle Shed unit of €336,000 for pricing infrastructure might lead to its abbreviation in everyday usage to BS units, which might undermine its credibility. – Yours, etc,
Dr ROBERT D NOLAN,
Alderley Edge,
Cheshire, UK.
Sir, – On yer bike, lads. – Yours, etc,
YVONNE McGANN,
Kilkee,
Co Clare.
Sir, – It is intriguing to note that the lifetime inheritance which a person can receive tax free under current legislation corresponds almost exactly to the price of a bike shelter for politicians. – Yours, etc,
ANNE M O’CONNOR,
Ashbourne,
Co Meath.