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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 3 May 1995

Vol. 452 No. 3

Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Strategic Management Initiative Report.

Batt O'Keeffe

Ceist:

7 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Taoiseach if he intends to act on the recommendations of the Strategic Management Initiative report on the public service launched by his Department. [7920/95]

On the assumption that the Deputy is referring to the first report of the SMI co-ordinating group of secretaries which was considered by the Government on 2 March the answer is yes.

Is it intended to act on each of the recommendations and has the Minister of State set a timescale?

We are awaiting the second report which I hope will be with the Government by the end of June. The political direction I have been given is to ensure that we proceed as expeditiously as possible with the public sector reform programme. While I am not in a position to set deadlines the Deputy understands as well as I do what is involved and how important this matter is. No time will be lost. The co-ordinating group of secretaries is working extremely well and meeting regularly. I am pleased with the progress which has been made to date.

Will Civil Service numbers, which are rising dramatically, be included?

All aspects, including personnel and financial matters, form part of the remit.

Is the Minister of State concerned that the numbers are rising?

I am concerned about efficiency in the public service, not just numbers.

So is the Taoiseach.

The Minister of State used the word "efficiency". Clearly she will be concerned about the well-being of the public service and the sense of distaste at the Taoiseach's recent remarks.

We are now having clear deviation.

It seems the effectiveness and efficiency of the various Departments which have appeared before the Committee of Public Accounts have to be questioned. I raised this matter to see what progress had been made since the announcement of the Strategic Management Initiative by the former Taoiseach. I would like to hear the views of the Minister of State on the matter.

The first report of the co-ordinating group of secretaries was received by the Government in early March. Phase II of the process on which progress needs to be made is now under way. This involves a deepening and strengthening of the Strategic Management Initiative launched 12 months ago by the former Taoiseach, Deputy Reynolds. The action to be taken includes the translation of departmental and divisional objectives into specific action oriented strategies in each Department and the accompanying measures of performance that will enhance the ability to monitor and actively manage outcomes — we expect to receive these by end of July; the publication of a strategy document by each Minister for their own Department or arm of State; drafting of proposals by the co-ordinating group of secretaries for the modernisation of the existing financial and personnel management functions in the Civil Service and setting up three pilot groups of assistant secretaries in the areas of child care, competitiveness and the environment to improve links between Departments and to examine now cross-cutting issues can be resolved.

I expect the second report of the co-ordinating group of secretaries to be with the Government by the end of June. The recent Sellafield committee could be given as an example to show how areas of interest which cut across different Departments can be handled. That committee comprises representatives of the Departments of the Environment, Marine, Foreign Affairs and Transport, Energy and Communications and handles a particularly difficult issue for this country. There is much to be learned and done. If it can be proceeded with more quickly I will try to have this done.

I did not hear the Minister of State mention the words "gender proofing". Will this issue be covered in the next report of the Strategic Management Initiative? We have a long way to go in terms of gender balance in the public service. Are there recommendations in this regard or must we await them?

I sympathise with the question, but the Deputy should put that question to the Minister for Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Taylor.

Does the Minister share my concern that given the number of Ministers of State in the various Departments, the executives in the Departments would have a full time job trying to co-ordinate the activities of all these Ministers? What liaison has taken place with the unions in the public service to ensure all-round agreement of this strategy?

I note the first part of the question. The second point is a very important and serious one. I have started a round of meetings with the various public sector unions and I have been in constant contact with union representatives and shop stewards. This is a sensitive area which will be progressed as quickly as possible. Everyone must be involved in the strategic management initiative. In terms of reforming the public sector, there is now a critical mass within that sector that demands reform. I am optimistic of success in this area because the changes are not being politically imposed from the outside. Together with the public sector unions we will effect the changes necessary for a modern efficient public service that will bring us into the next century.

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