Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Feb 2002

Vol. 548 No. 4

Written Answers. - Strategic Management Initiative.

John Bruton

Question:

90 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the updated achievement of each target set for her Department under the strategic management initiative; 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 she proposes to refine the targets. [5174/02]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

The modernisation programme for the public service, as contained in Framework 1.4 of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, sets out the primary objectives of the SMI and the related sectoral strategies, which have informed and driven progress in my Department. Specific initiatives under the PPF include: the publication of three year strategy statements and the preparation of annual progress reports on the achievement of the strategic objectives that they contain; annual business planning cycles; publication of quality customer service plans; and the implementation of improved financial management and IT systems.

My Department has been to the forefront of developments of the modernisation programme under SMI. In particular, progress in the development of the new management information framework, incorporating a new financial accounting system, has been spearheaded in my Department. Also, a strategic priority of my Department is the development and promotion of e-government and the continued training and development of staff to provide the organisational capability and flexibility necessary to ensure better quality in service delivery and the enhancement of policy analysis, development and implementation.

With regard to the SMI, progress on initiatives is monitored through the partnership process established under Partnership 2000. As required under section 1.4.1 of the PPF, the partnership committee developed and agreed a list of performance indicators in relation to those initiatives. This committee is chaired by the secretary general and represents staff and management interests in the Department. Thus, the modernisation agenda is advanced through the participative process of partnership.

My Department's performance indicators have been examined and approved by the Civil Service quality assurance group. This is an independent body established under the PPF to assess progress in achieving the objectives of the SMI. I am satisfied that the targets represented by these performance indicators are focused on outcomes that are measurable and achievable. My Department will submit a report to the CSQAG after 1 April detailing progress in achieving its performance indicators. This group will then make an independent assessment of my Department's progress in meeting the objectives for the modernisation agenda in the context of the PPF.