Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Mar 1995

Vol. 450 No. 3

Written Answers. - Strategic Management Initiative.

Bertie Ahern

Question:

16 Mr. B. Ahern asked the Taoiseach the meetings, if any, he has arranged with higher civil servants to discuss the implementation of the strategic management initiative which seeks to exploit in a positive way the real potential of the civil service. [4943/95]

The Taoiseach

At the end of January, I had a meeting with heads of Government Departments and offices in relation to the strategic management initiative. As the Deputy will be aware a co-ordinating group of Secretaries oversees and facilitates the implementation of the strategic management initiative and reports to Government on any changes, including legislative changes, necessary to enable individual Secretaries to manage more efficiently and effectively.

I am advised that this group has held a number of meetings with heads of Government Departments and offices in relation to plans and strategies within individual Departments and in relation to any service-wide reform measures. I expect that these discussions will continue over the coming months as the process is brought forward in Departments. It is the intention that there will be widespread consultation in relation to any reform measures which emerge from that process.

I know that the ultimate success of this important initiative is dependent on a co-operative approach by all the parties involved. I believe that working together in a positive way we can achieve the real potential of the Civil Service. The role of Minister of State Deputy Avril Doyle, is an important one in this context. I have asked her to consult with interested parties in relation to the SMI and, in particular, to make arrangements to keep Opposition parties fully informed of developments.