Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2012
161. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach the progress he has made in the implementation of the action plan which was developed in response to the Organisation Review Programme report which was completed in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51451/12]
View answer163. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach the steps he has taken to make improvements in strategic thinking and planning as envisaged in his Departments Strategy Statement 2011-2014 [51453/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 161 and 163 together.
My Department has made significant progress in implementing the Organisational Review Programme Action Plan since its publication in late 2011.
In line with commitments in the ORP Action Plan, my Department published a Strategy Statement in April 2012 and a Human Resources Strategy in May 2012. The Strategy Statement sets out eight strategic priorities for the period 2011-2014: Jobs and Growth, Europe, Programme for Government, Service, Reform, Trust, Fairness and Peace. It also identifies horizontal action areas including policy capacity, implementation, communications, strategic thinking, working with others, incubation and innovation, changing the culture and rebuilding trust, and developing our internal capacity.
The Strategy Statement also reflects the significant restructuring of the Department following the election of the new Government in 2011, including establishment of the Economic Management Council, a new Cabinet Committee structure, a Programme for Government Office, an Office of the Tánaiste, a new integrated European Affairs Division, and transfer of staff and functions relating to public service reform to the new Department of of Public Expenditure and Reform.
The HR Strategy sets out a range of actions to support the achievement of the Department's strategic priorities in the areas of Organisational Structure, HR Planning, Upskilling our Staff, Leadership Development, Communication and Consultation, Performance Management and Development, and Corporate and Legal Responsibilities.
Through ongoing implementation of the Strategy Statement and the Human Resources Strategy, both of which cover the period up to 2014, my Department is responding comprehensively to the issues raised in the Organisational Review Programme. Specific measures taken to date include:
- weekly meetings of the Management Advisory Committee (MAC)
- regular meetings of the MAC with Prinicipal Officers
- quarterly general staff meetings
- new ICT shared services initiative with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
- completion of a skills availability and needs survey
- increasing policy analysis capacity available within the Department
- use of flexible arrangements such as secondments and internships, including for the EU Presidency
- new grade-based and skill development programmes
- a leadership development programme for senior management
- occasional 'lunch and learn' events for staff
- improved implementation of PMDS
- completion of a review of the National Economic and Social Council
- publication of an annual progress report on implementation of the Programme for Government
My Department has also taken a number of steps to date in response to the commitment in the Strategy Statement relating to strategic thinking and planning. The Department's capacity in this area has been increased through the secondment of staff with relevant skills from the National Economic and Social Council and Forfas, as well as the recruitment of a number of staff who are part of the new Government Economic and Evaluation Service. This has enhanced the Department's capacity to support the Taoiseach and the Cabinet Committee system in dealing with strategic policy challenges facing the country.
The Department also organised a seminar in May 2012 entitled Perspectives on the Role of a Prime Minister’s Department which considered how the Department could best perform as a ‘strategic centre’ ensuring delivery of the Government’s priorities. Speakers and participants gave an international and external perspective on how to develop the Department's role in this area. Copies of the presentations are available on the Department's website.
Specific recent initiatives include the work which the NESC is currently completing on a long-term socio-economic vision to underpin effective national transition to a low-carbon future by 2050, and the recent visit by former US Congressman Bruce Morrison to advise on future immigration and integration issues.
The Department's Management Advisory Committee regularly reviews progress against the commitments in the Strategy Statement and will be leading further initiatives in this area over the period up to 2014.
The Department's Annual Report for 2012 will give an overview of progress on all aspects of the Strategy Statement.
