Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 January 2012
407 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will outline the projected savings for each State agency to be rationalised as set out in the recent public service reform plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4564/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra408 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if robust service level agreements between parent Departments and State bodies are now in place for all non-commercial State agencies. [4571/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 407 and 408 together.
The priorities set out in the Programme for Government for the rationalisation of State Agencies states that rationalisation must be cost effective and lead to a more transparent, accountable and efficient public service. The overriding imperative is the requirement to affect savings and achieve administrative efficiencies in all areas of expenditure and to reduce overheads. As the Deputy will appreciate, it is not possible at this stage to outline projected savings for each State body to be rationalised. However, the implications from this decision are currently being examined within my Department with a view to identifying savings and opportunities for efficiencies.
I am confident that there are currently a number of robust arrangements and legislative provisions governing the relationship between the various agencies under the aegis of my Department and the Department. I am satisfied, therefore, that compliance with public administrative procedures and related practices is monitored regularly through these mechanisms. However, the Deputy should note that departmental officials are currently working on the development of uniform Service Level Agreements, which will be put in place for the relevant bodies under the aegis of my Department and will focus on outputs, accountability and efficiencies.
