New term changes at IFAC prompt credibility concerns

Due to shortage of experts, the government has changed the law to allow IFAC members to serve for up to 12 years

Sebastian Barnes, acting chairman of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council, will be able to serve another term under the new rules after his second term comes to an end on January 1 next

The government has been accused of damaging the credibility of the country’s fiscal watchdog by allowing its members to serve for up to 12 years.

The legislation establishing the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC) limited the members to two terms lasting four years each to ensure that new voices and perspectives were regularly brought in.

But due to an impending shortage, the government is changing the law to allow council members to serve for three ...