Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 November 2012
517. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline the opportunities that persons in lower grades of the Public Service have been afforded in contributing to the reforms of the public service as sought in the Public Service Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50640/12]
View answerThe Department of Defence places a significant emphasis on staff consultation and staff input at all levels in the development and implementation of action programmes to progress reforms in the Civil Service. The preparation and subsequent revision of the Department’s action plan under the Croke Park agreement as well as its implementation presents an ongoing opportunity to tap into the knowledge and experience of staff, including staff at lower grades. The key actions undertaken by the Department to ensure that there are opportunities for persons at all levels to contribute to the reforms of the public service as sought in the Public Service Agreement include:
Partnership Committee and Departmental Council: Both the Croke Park agreement and Public Service Reform Plan are standing agenda items at these meetings, which are representative of all grades. The minutes of all meetings are made available to staff on the Department’s intranet.
The Department’s Partnership Committee has a specific role in providing a consultation forum with staff at all grades in the preparation, amendment and reporting on the Department’s Action Plan under the Croke Park agreement.
Branch and Divisional meetings: These meetings provide a vehicle for staff to bring forward proposals for consideration in the context of the reform agenda.
Business Planning Process: The annual business planning process provides a further opportunity for consultation with staff to ensure that business plans take account of both the Croke Park Action Plan and the Public Service Reform Plan.
Workforce Planning: All staff in the Department have completed a workforce planning survey which offers staff yet another opportunity to identify ways in which their knowledge, skills and experience can contribute to, or enhance our commitment to public sector reform.
Communication: The Secretary General and senior management of the Department have delivered presentations to all staff on the challenges and opportunities ahead in terms of public service reform and have provided a forum for all staff to contribute to the reform program through this process.
My Department will continue to ensure that there are tangible mechanisms in place to enable all grades to contribute to the reform agenda.
