Vol. 486 No. 1
91 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Finance the action programmes, if any, there are setting targets for the achievement of progress on the implementation of the modernisation programme in the public sector which have been developed to date in 1998 in accordance with Partnership 2000; the expected timescale for completion of the programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1920/98]
The development of action programmes, in accordance with the principles of Partnership 2000, for the achievement of progress on the implementation of the modernisation programme in the public service is a matter for individual Government Departments and the bodies under their aegis.
Under Partnership 2000 these action programmes are to be developed and implemented in each Department and body through a participative process involving management, unions and staff, the objectives being to ensure common ownership of the action programmes by all concerned.
Given the innovative nature of this process, discussions between my Department and the Civil Service unions regarding appropriate partnership structures for use in the Civil Service have been ongoing for some time and are expected to conclude shortly. The outcome will be an agreed approach to the introduction and development of partnership structures in the workplace suited to the needs and state of developments in each Government Department and office. The approach will provide a framework for developing similar structures in public service bodies generally.
