Vol. 548 No. 4
107 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the updated achievement of each target set for his Department under SMI; if the targets in question are sufficiently measurable, quantifiable and focused on outcomes rather than activities to be an effective tool of real accountability; and if not, if he proposes to refine the targets. [5176/02]
The strategic priorities and high level achievements for my Department are set out in our strategy statements. The achievements of these specific targets are reported on in our annual reports. My Department's Statement of Strategy 2001-2004 was published in November 2001. The annual report on our activities in 2000 was published in August 2001.
My Department agreed specific indicators and performance indicators with the Civil Service quality assurance group in May 2001. These targets have been accepted by that group. I am quite satisfied the targets set are sufficiently measurable, quantifiable and focused on outcomes. My Department will furnish our progress report on outcomes to that group in early May.
