In October 2011, I announced further measures in relation to my Department's agency rationalisation programme with the overall number of agencies being reduced from 21 to 12. Overall, estimated savings in the order of €1.9 million have been achieved to date in the agency rationalisation process and I anticipate that this should rise significantly. Agency staff numbers are targeted to fall to 712 by 2015 as compared to 951 at the end of 2008 — a reduction of 239 (25%).
An Chomhairle Leabharlanna will be dissolved, with any key residual functions to be subsumed into the Local Government Management Agency. The dissolution should result in savings in terms of annual operating costs of the order of €1m and could yield a once-off windfall through disposal of its headquarters in Dublin's City centre. The Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency (HSCA) rationalises the functions of three Agencies. The Local Government Management Services Board and the Local Government Computer Services Board are merging as the Local Government Management Agency. The Limerick Northside and South side Regeneration Agencies will be replaced through the development of new management arrangements in the context of the merger of Limerick City and Limerick County Council. The Dormant Accounts Board (Amendment) Bill 2011 proposes to dissolve the Dormant Accounts Board. The agency rationalisation/efficiency agenda will be kept under review, taking the Public Service Reform Plan's recommendations into account, in so far as all agencies under my Department's aegis are concerned.
