Simon Harris
Question:
159
Deputy Simon Harris
asked the
Taoiseach
the tangible results that have been delivered in his Department through the implementation of the Croke Park agreement; the implementation plan in place in his Department to ensure reforms envisaged through this agreement are delivered on; if he is satisfied with the pace of reform in his Department and the agencies under his remit; the further reforms the taxpayer and Irish citizens may expect to witness in the running of his Department and its agencies through the public sector reform agenda; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[31611/12]
View answer
The Taoiseach: My Department submits regular reports to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regarding progress with implementation of its Action Plan under the Public Sector Agreement 2010-2014, which includes the Action Plan for the National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO), the only agency under the aegis of my Department.
I am satisfied with the level of progress being achieved and with the plans for further implementation of the Agreement in my Department and NESDO.
Some examples of specific actions taken in my Department under the Agreement include:
reductions in core staff numbers and budgets;
establishing an Office of the Tánaiste and Programme for Government Office from within existing resources;
redeployment of staff, including the transfer of staff and functions relating to public service reform from my Department to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform last year and establishment of an enhanced EU Division in my Department;
bringing in a number of staff with specialist skills into my Department to enhance its policy capacity;
reductions in uncertified sick leave; and
improved implementation of the Performance Management and Development System.
Some examples of progress made by NESDO include:
significant reductions in its budget;
greater use of electronic communications and new technology; and
improved business planning arrangements.
