Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 December 2017
153. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the impact he expects reform throughout the public sector to have on economic performance in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53938/17]
View answer156. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he expects reform to remain part of economic strategy affecting the public or indirectly in the private sector in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53941/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 156 together.
Public service reform has been a central element in the response to the challenges of recent years and remains an essential part of building for the future. The reform programme has been delivering for the Irish public for 6 years – since the first reform plan was launched in 2011. We have achieved much to transform our public services in that time and are building a resilient and responsive public service that can meet the challenges of the future while delivering quality services. However, the world is changing fast. Today’s uncertain and unpredictable global environment poses significant challenges for Ireland.
As the Deputy will be aware, a new phase for public service reform was set out in the framework Our Public Service 2020 published earlier this week. Our Public Service 2020 aims to deliver better outcomes for the public, to support innovation and collaboration and to build public service organisations that are resilient and agile. Implementation of the actions in Our Public Service 2020 will have an ongoing positive impact on economic performance in the future.
Our Public Service 2020 aims to strongly link expenditure with reform. This is to ensure that real reform is delivered and that there is a continued emphasis on ensuring value-for-money principles are adhered to across the public service. Ensuring value for the taxpayer is an important element of managing the costs of public services and maintaining stable public finances.
Our Public Service 2020, allows the public and businesses to have greater input into the planning, design, implementation and review of public services. Public service reform remains part of the Government’s economic strategy and will enable us to continue to improve outcomes for the public.
Shared ownership of the framework and committed leadership will be essential to ensure successful delivery of the actions in the new framework. For this first time, both civil service and public service leaders are directly involved in the public service reform governance structures. I believe that this will be key to ensuring the successful implementation of the new framework and to achieving the best possible outcomes for our economy and for the public.
