asked the Minister for Finance when an investigation into the machinery of Government Departments was last undertaken; and if he will state the recommendations resulting from such investigation which were implemented.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Government Departments Investigation.
28.
The last investigation into the machinery of Government Departments was that of the Public Services Organisation Review Group whose report was published in September, 1969.
The recommendations of this group were many and far-reaching. The basic recommendations have been accepted by the Government and their implementation, which, the report recognised, will take a number of years, is proceeding. In particular, legislation is before the House for the creation of a new Department of the Public Service and a Public Service Advisory Council; the structures for the new Department are already operational within the existing Department of Finance. The functions of planning, finance, organisation and personnel are being reorganised and strengthened in the public service generally. Finally, the Government have decided to apply the concept of separation of policy and execution on a trial basis in three Departments. A detailed examination of the problems involved is, therefore, being carried out in the Departments of Health, Industry and Commerce and Transport and Power.
Would the Minister be able to give me details of the other recommendations which it is expected will be implemented in the near future?
I do not think I can put it any further than I have in the reply already given to the Deputy. Of course there is a great deal more involved than I have specified. The reply is a fairly omnibus one.
Can the Minister say whether the Government are relying solely on the recommendations made last in respect of the Public Services or are there any other recommendations being put before the Government regarding new Departments?
The review to which I have referred is the only overall review that has taken place in recent years. This is the main basis on which the Government are working. As I have indicated, the main recommendations have been accepted by the Government. Of course other operations are going on all the time in regard to——
The creation of new Departments?
No, not in that regard but in regard to what might be defined narrowly as work study although it is much wider than that.