asked the Minister for the Public Service if he will outline the proposed list of changes he intends making in regard to the reform of the public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Reform of Public Service.
278.
I have already indicated to the House a number of the reform measures to be introduced or already under way. The House recently had the opportunity of debating one of the most important of those reforms when it approved the motion to recommend Michael Mills for appointment as Ombudsman. I hope to introduce legislation in due course to give the reforms a statutory basis where this is necessary. Meanwhile, I am considering the publication of a White Paper on the subject.
In the circumstances, I do not propose to make a lengthy statement. The following are, in brief, some of the main changes to be made.
(1) A system of management which will make individuals at middle and senior level more accountable for the results they are to acheive and the costs they incur in acheiving them is being introduced in my own Department as a prelude to its more widespread introduction.
(2) The programme of major restructuring of Departments to make separate organisational provision for the distinct roles of assisting the Minister in policy development and overall management, on the one hand, and managing and delivering services to the citizen on a day-to-day basis, on the other hand, will be brought to completion quickly.
(3) The use of information technology will be extended to become an integral part of management in all areas.
(4) The method of selection of top managers in the civil service is under review.
(5) Hand-in-hand with those improvements will be an intensified programme of management training, with emphasis on training in accountable management and information technology.
(6) Contacts of individual citizens with the administration will be made easier, more pleasant and more effective. In particular, public offices will be changed to get rid of the "hatch" system as far as possible. Staff dealing with the public will be specially trained and will wear identification badges. Officials signing letters to the public will have their name typed below their signature.
(7) The reduction of the size of the public service, which has already started, will continue as a result of improvements in efficiency and effectiveness. To date, a restriction on the filling of vacancies has been the main weapon in achieving this reduction but this will soon be underpinned by a systematic and comprehensive programme of reviews.