Written Answers Nos. 70-75
70. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he sees recruitment, in specific vital areas of the public sector, being adopted as a policy initiative in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12335/15]
View answerIn my role as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, I have overarching responsibility for workforce planning and recruitment to the Civil Service. In Budget 2015, I was pleased to be able to announce that there will be a targeted programme of recruitment into the Civil Service to address service needs and a shortfall in key skills commencing in late 2014 and continuing during 2015. The Deputy may wish to be aware that a number of open competitions have since already taken place or are in process.
This ongoing recruitment programme supports Action 8 of the Civil Service Renewal Plan, to "open up recruitment and promotion processes at all levels". Under the Renewal Plan the established policy of open competition for all senior management positions (Assistant Principal and higher) will be extended. Further consideration will be given throughout 2015 to resourcing and staffing needs for the Civil Service.
Recruitment plans for the public service more generally are a matter, in the first instance, for the Minister with responsibility for each of the relevant sectors of the public service.
71. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he expects to utilise reform policies throughout the public sector in the course of the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12336/15]
View answerPublic Service Reform is a key element of the Government's overall strategy for recovery. The reforms delivered over the past four years have enabled us to maintain and improve public services in the face of the necessary reduction in staff numbers and budgets, at a time of increased demand for public services.
A new Public Service Reform Plan was published in January 2014 and sets out the priorities for reform for the period 2014 to 2016. While maintaining an emphasis on efficiency and reducing costs, this Plan puts a particular focus on improved service delivery and achieving better outcomes for service users.
There are over 230 specific actions set out in the Reform Plan, including making greater use of shared services and innovative approaches to service delivery; increased use of technology and improved engagement with service users; more efficient and effective public procurement and property management; increased accountability and transparency in public decision making; enhanced leadership and performance management; and a continued focus on building the required capacity to deliver reform and service improvements across the Public Service.
A Progress Report on the Public Service Reform Plan 2014-2016 was published earlier this month. A copy of the report was sent to all Members of the Oireachtas and it is also available at www.reformplan.per.gov.ie. As well as setting out the progress made on reform over the past 12 months, this report also outlines the priorities for the coming year. The Deputy will also be aware that the Taoiseach and I published a Civil Service Renewal Plan in October last year. The implementation of this ambitious three year plan will lead to very significant changes right across the Civil Service.
Overall, I am satisfied that we have made very strong progress on Public Service Reform to date and that this progress will continue over the coming years. The levels of reform that we have delivered could not have happened without the efforts and commitment of our public servants and I commend them for their contribution to date.
72. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which strategic disposal of State assets remains an economic policy option; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12337/15]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Government announced a programme of State asset disposals in February 2012, as agreed in the Programme for Government. That programme has now effectively been brought to completion, with the exception of the possible sale of the Government's remaining shareholding in Aer Lingus - which is a matter that is currently being considered by the Inter Departmental Steering Group in the context of the ongoing discussions with representatives from International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG) on IAG's proposal to make an offer for Aer Lingus. The work of that Group will inform Government's consideration of whether it should support a sale of its remaining shareholding in Aer Lingus to IAG, should a formal offer be made.
Apart from the above, the Government has no plans to dispose of any further State assets.
