asked the Minister for Defence whether a management survey was undertaken in his Department in the last seven years in conjunction with another State Department on the wide span of his Department's activities; and, if so, (1) the date of its report; (2) the number of recommendations; (3) the number implemented to date; (4) whether any more will be implemented by 31 December 1982; (5) if there were any comments in relation to the Civil Defence Branch and whether he will initiate any further such survey for the purpose of increasing administrative efficiency in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Management Survey Report.
888.
(1) In the context of the implementation of the recommendations of the Public Services Organisation Review Group in so far as they relate to the Department of Defence a committee comprised of officers of the Departments of the Public Service and Defence reported on the functions, structure and overall staffing of the Department and made certain recommendations in October 1981.
This completed Phase I of the exercise. Phase II is at present in progress and involves a detailed survey of the civil branches of the Department with a view to setting out and commenting on their (a) functions — whether they are located in the most appropriate areas or whether cognate functions at present carried out in different areas might be drawn together; (b) staffing — adequacy and grading; and (c) systems — whether there is room for improvement.
The survey is being conducted by officers of both the Department of Defence and of the Public Service and is being supervised by a Steering Committee at Assistant Secretary level.
(2), (3) and (4) The recommendations contained in the October report relate to the organisation and structure of the Department and form the basis of the detailed survey being undertaken at present. It is expected that this survey should be completed by the end of 1982. Implementation of recommendations is dependent to a large extent on the outcome of the Phase II survey.
(5) Civil Defence Branch was surveyed and has since been the subject of a detailed examination arising out of which certain proposals aimed at improving efficiency have been implemented.
(6) As indicated at (1) above a detailed survey is at present in progress. Arising out of a Government decision of 23 December 1981 the question of increasing administrative efficiency and ensuring staff economies will be emphasised in the current exercise.