Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2008
73 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Finance the terms of reference of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes, chaired by Mr. Colm McCarthy; if these terms of reference include a review of all proposed current and capital expenditure for 2009 and beyond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45349/08]
View answerI refer the Deputy to the Government Statement on Transforming Public Services of 26 November 2008 which stated that the objectives of the Special Group are to:—
a. Review the scope for reducing or discontinuing Expenditure Programmes with a view to eliminating the current budget deficit by 2011.
b. To this end, analyse and make recommendations on reducing the numbers employed in each area of the Public Service having regard to:—
i. the need to identify and prioritise particular output targets and areas;
ii. the achievement of greater efficiency and economy in the delivery of all services;
iii. the scope for rationalising and streamlining delivery of public services in the consumers' interest.
c. Make recommendations on reallocation of staffing or expenditure resources between public service organisations as appropriate to deliver the objectives set out in the Programme for Government.
d. Examine and make recommendations for further rationalisation of State agencies beyond the rationalisation proposals and principles set out in Budget 2009.
As I elaborated in my comments at that time, the Special Group's examination of all programmes funded through public expenditure will identify options for savings in the context of the Government's fiscal objectives as set out in Budget 2009. While the focus of the Group is on current expenditure, this does not preclude the Group from looking at capital expenditure if that is necessary to fulfil its remit. It will also ensure that public expenditure is being used to address relevant priority policy objectives in the current fiscal environment and the overall efficiency of the public service will also be examined, including any ways of doing business that are out of step with the needs of a modern, responsive public service.
The Group consists of Mr. Colm McCarthy (Chair) and Mr. Donal McNally as core Members and they will be assisted by Mr. Pat McLoughlin, Mr. Maurice O'Connell, Mr. William Slattery and Ms. Mary Walsh. It will establish its own working methodology and any vacancy arising in the Group will be filled by me.
The Group will report to me every two months and will submit a final report to me by the end of June 2009.
