The central theme of the strategic management report, Delivering Better Government, is the provision of excellent quality services to the customers of the Civil Service at all levels. This is based on the devolution of authority and accountability to the most appropriate level, supported by legislative change, human resource management change, new financial management systems and better use of information technology. The appropriate arrangements for devolving authority and accountability in respect of constitutional and independent office holders such as the Director of Public Prosecutions will be considered in the context of the forthcoming legislation to amend the Ministers and Secretaries Act, 1924 and the Committees of the Houses of the Oireachtas (Compellability, Privileges and Immunities of Witnesses) Bill, 1995. The Government has already announced its intention to table an amendment to the latter Bill which would allow for the compellability of the Director to attend before a committee to answer questions on statistical and general policy issues arising from the annual reports which it is envisaged he will henceforth publish.
In the meantime, the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, in common with other Departments and offices, has already embarked on a strategic management initiative process. An initial assessment report of the structures, procedures and resources of the office has been carried out by Grant Thornton Consulting Limited. In addition, the Department of Finance is carrying out a review of the structures and organisation of the office, which is nearing completion. These studies will form the basis for long-term strategic decisions regarding the most effective and efficient organisation of the Office.
The DPP's office was involved in the staff briefings accompanying the launch of Delivering Better Government on 2 May. I am arranging to send the Deputy the tailored leaflet prepared in respect of the office of the DPP which was circulated to staff.