John Browne
Ceist:30 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Finance the plans he has to increase the efficiency of the public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27982/00]
Written Answers. - Public Service.
The ongoing strategic management initiative, or SMI, is the principal means by which improvements in the efficiency of the public service are being pursued. Under the SMI, programmes of change have been initiated which are directed at delivering quality customer services, simplifying regulations and improving openness and trans parency. These are underpinned by initiatives to improve management of the public service through better human resources policies, more comprehensive financial management and better use of information and communication technology to support delivery of services.
For example, Delivering Better Government sets out the programme of change in the civil service. The programme of change is now underpinned by the national agreements – Partnership 2000, provided for participative structures to involve management, unions and staff in each organisation in the development and implementation of action plans to progress the modernisation programme, and the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness which provides, inter alia, for implementation of performance management systems. The SMI process is underpinned by key legislation such as the Public Service Management Act, 1997, and the Freedom of Information Act, 1997.
While considerable progress has been achieved in implementing programmes of change, much remains to be done including the implementation of performance management and development systems across the public service, introduction of new financial management systems, implementation of electronic government and improved service delivery. The Deputy will appreciate that the SMI and the related programmes of change are ongoing processes with a view to achieving continuous improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of the public service.