asked the Minister for Finance whether he will employ business consultants to examine and make recommendations for the simplification of administrative procedures in Government Departments with a view to reducing the number of civil servants employed on accounting and other routine procedure, and to this end if he will invite consultation and agreement with the Comptroller and Auditor-General and the Public Accounts Committee for any procedural or accounting reforms that may require their prior consent.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Administrative Procedures in Government Departments.
As the Deputy is no doubt aware, business consultants have been employed in connection with certain blocks of work in the Civil Service. Where the circumstances permitted, their recommendations have been adopted and have proved beneficial. I shall have no hesitation in further employing consultants if, during my review of the general organisation, it appears that their advice could, with advantage, be sought in relation to certain sections of the work. As regards the second part of the Deputy's question, the Comptroller and Auditor-General and the Public Accounts Committee would, naturally, be consulted prior to the introduction of any administrative changes affecting their functions.
Am I correct in believing that certain desirable simplifications had to be abandoned on the ground that existing administrative regulations made it impossible to make the reforms desired without the consent of the Comptroller and Auditor-General and the Public Accounts Committee? If that is correct, would the Minister for Finance consider taking the initiative to hold some kind of consultation, so that he might have his hands free with the present assurance from the Public Accounts Committee and the Comptroller and Auditor-General that they would be prepared to consent to, and facilitate him in making, any such reforms as may require their assent?
If I understand the Deputy's question correctly, I think the investigation is being carried on and will continued to be carried on, to see if it is possible to have a more simplified system of accounting in the various Departments, but the Comptroller and Auditor-General and the Public Accounts Committee will certainly be consulted before anything is decided. I might also mention that we are to some extent tied by the Constitution in the form of our accounts.
May I say that the purpose of this question is to indicate to the Minister that if co-operation or facilities are required from the Public Accounts Committee I have no doubt, speaking as Chairman of the Committee, that these will be gladly forthcoming.
Yes, I would expect that.
But at the same time, I think neither the Public Accounts Committee nor the Minister can take all the necessary steps without the consent of the Comptroller and Auditor-General and I do not think that consent could be effectively secured without initiative from the Minister.
Full consultation will be availed of.