Brendan Howlin
Ceist:74 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Finance the steps, if any, he has taken or proposes to take to facilitate the operation of the Public Service Management Act, 1997, as it relates to his Department. [5586/98]
Written Answers - Public Service Management Act.
The Public Management Act, 1997, was commenced by my order on 1 September 1997. Following this, a series of steps was taken to provide for the implementation of the Act across the Civil Service, including the Department of Finance.
My Department, in consultation with implementation group of Secretaries General set up by the Taoiseach in July last year to progress the implementation of the strategic management initiative, drafted directions for Departments on the preparation of strategy statements as provided for in section 5 of the Act, and the accountability of Secretaries General to Ministers, as provided for in section 6.
In addition, my Department assisted in the preparation of guidelines by the implementation group to support management in all Departments and scheduled offices in implementing the Act. Specific proposals on these matters were approved by the Government in November 1997 and the directions and implementation group guidelines were issued before Christmas. I would be happy to make copies of these documents available to the House if the Deputy wishes.
The Government has also approved proposals in relation to the framework of assignment of authority, responsibility and accountability in Departments and Offices under the Act. These are currently the subject of discussions between officials of my Department and representatives of Civil Service trade unions and staff associations.
With regard to my own Department, the process of finalising the statement of strategy is well under way. The Secretary General has submitted his statement of strategy for my approval and I am now considering it. I will lay copies of this strategy statement before each House of the Oireachtas in accordance with the Act by 1 May.