Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Jun 1996

Vol. 467 No. 1

Written Answers. - Strategic Management Initiative.

Brian Lenihan

Question:

83 Mr. Lenihan asked the Taoiseach the total cost, including external consultation and services rendered, of the preparation and publication of the Strategic Management Initiative report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12461/96]

Brian Lenihan

Question:

84 Mr. Lenihan asked the Taoiseach the total cost of the preparations and design of the report cover of the Strategic Management Initiative report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12462/96]

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 83 and 84 together.

The report, Delivering Better Government, which was launched on 2 May 1996 sets out the Government's programme of change for the Civil Service.

A key element in the successful implementation of the programme is effective communications on the nature and scope of the change proposed. For this reason, the launch on 2 May had two important dimensions — internally within the Civil Service and externally. Professional advice on the design and implementation of the appropriate communications strategy was retained in order to ensure that the most effective methods of communication were put in place. The costs incurred relate to the development of the overall communications strategy in respect of the programme and to its continued implementation over the longer term.

In addition to the external launch in Dublin Castle on 2 May, Delivering Better Government was also launched to the 30,000 civil servants in all Departments and offices. All Departments and offices within the Civil Service organised briefing sessions for their staff at all locations and the costs incurred covered the production of the report, a summary report which was made available to all staff, leaflets setting out the main issues arising in respect of individual Departments and offices and briefing material. The majority of these briefings took place on 2 May. Briefings were also organised for the trade unions and the Opposition parties.

Below is a breakdown of all the costs incurred so far, including VAT where applicable:

	£
Printing costs for main and summary reports*	36,700
Design and implementation of communications strategy, including preparation of briefing materials, briefing of individual Departments and distribution of documentation*	108,200
Design of programme identity, design, layout and production of report, summary report and leaflets (including design and layout costs of £5,898 in respect of the main report)*	80,100
Scripting, filming and production of video*	25,000
	250,000

On this basis, the cost per civil servant works out at approximately £8.

*These are estimated costs. Final invoices have not yet been submitted and agreed.