Ivan Yates
Ceist:79 Mr. Yates asked the Taoiseach if he will clarify the future situation in relation to the work of the Efficiency Audit Group.
Written Answers. - Efficiency Audit Group.
The Efficiency Audit Group, EAG, was established by the Government in April 1988 to examine the workings and practices of each Government Department with a view to recommending improved and alternative policies and methods which reduce costs and improve efficiency. The group, in conjunction with Departmental management, had the task of establishing whether, by more efficient or alternative work practices, costs can be reduced or a better service provided at the same cost. Subsequently it was decided that the role of the EAG could extend outside the Civil Service to other parts of the public service.
The work of the EAG has included efficiency scrutinies of the civilian side of the Department of Defence and of the management and administrative systems of the Defence Forces. The EAG set up two working groups, the first to study the civil branches of the Department and, arising from its recommendations, the second was to study the administrative functions of the Defence Forces. The recommendations of the EAG in these areas were considered by Government recently. The Government decided that the implementation of recommendations concerning the delegation of financial authority to the military authorities and the reform of military administration should be pursued as a matter of urgency. The Government also decided that a radical overhaul of Defence Forces structures and systems should be undertaken under the aegis of the EAG.
The Department of Agriculture will be the next assignment for the Efficiency Audit Group, after which other Departments will be examined by the group.