Vol. 548 No. 4
84 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the updated achievement of each target set for his Department under the strategic management initiative; if the targets in question are sufficiently measurable, quantifiable and focused on outcomes rather than activities to be an effective tool of real accountability; and if not, if he proposes to refine the targets. [5172/02]
My Department is engaged in a wide-ranging programme of organisational change, adaptation and innovation under the strategic management initiative. Key initiatives comprehended by this modernisation programme include the development of business planning systems and processes, the articulation and implementation of a progressive human resources strategy, the improvement of accounting and financial management systems, the development of the Department's information and communications technology systems and capabilities and ongoing work programmes aimed at ensuring that the Department delivers high quality services to its customers as efficiently and as effectively as possible.
This comprehensive modernisation agenda is being advanced with particular reference to specific targets and objectives determined in the context of Framework 1.4.1 of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness. My Department will be submitting a detailed progress report, structured around these targets, to the Civil Service quality assurance group in the coming months.
My Department's goals and objectives in respect of the wide range of sectors and activities falling within its remit are detailed in its strategy statement for 2001-03, which was published last year. Progress in delivering the strategies and outputs designed to advance these goals and objectives is reported on in my Department's annual reports. These are available in the Oireachtas Library.
Targets are kept under review on an ongoing basis and my Department is committed to the development wherever possible, and particularly in the context of its work under the management information framework initiative, of specific, quantifiable performance indicators.
