Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 January 2016
475. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in the lifetime of this Government, the number of proposals managerial staff in any agency or managerial body under his remit put forward to alter the roll-out of public services which were delayed, postponed or abandoned as a result of non-co-operation by trade union representatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3172/16]
View answerThe Programme for Government 2011 to 2016 included various reforms to increase efficiency and effectiveness in the public sector. Public Service Agreements have been the primary vehicles used to implement these reforms. Consultative forums and other resolution mechanisms are an inherent and integral feature in the delivery of any reform programme. Where the need has arisen, resolution mechanisms (both statutory and non-statutory) available under the various Public Service Agreements have been used to enable all parties to resolve any disputes encountered in the course of reforming public services. Common and widely-used mechanisms include local partnership committees and the recently established Workplace Relations Commission. Certain mechanisms are unique to particular agreements and have been successful in achieving positive outcomes. The Irish Water Consultative Group provides a process for resolving disputes unique to the water services sector, and the Fire Services National Oversight and Implementation Group performs a similar function in the area of fire and emergency.
