Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 July 2016
50. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the way in which he envisions co-operation in the public service will proceed on a cross-Border basis in view of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19557/16]
View answerPublic service reform was a key element of the response to the challenges we faced in recent years and continues to be an essential part of building for the future. In this context, we have been cooperating with our colleagues in Northern Ireland for a number of years, particularly since the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform was established in 2011.
We have developed a good relationship on reform issues through an ongoing programme of engagement between my Department and the Department of Finance in Northern Ireland. This includes regular visits and bilateral discussions on a range of issues of mutual interest. For example, recent meetings have focused on Civil Service Renewal, digital government, alternative models of service delivery and shared services. Both Departments face similar challenges around budget constraints, demographics, quality of services and customer expectations, and this engagement provides good opportunities to share learning and best practice on Public Service Reform.
This collaborative relationship has been fruitful and I believe it is very important that this cooperation continues into the future, regardless of the outcome of the recent referendum on UK membership of the EU. Nevertheless, I will be considering all opportunities for enhanced cross-border cooperation in the context of Brexit.
