The Deputy will be aware that the Government announced a series of rationalisation measures in the Public Service Reform Plan on 17th November 2011. A number of amalgamations, mergers and critical reviews of bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group are currently being progressed, as required under the Reform Plan. Details of these are reflected in the Plan, which can be accessed on the website of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform —www.per.gov.ie.
As the Deputy will also be aware, the priorities set out in the Programme for Government for the rationalisation of State agencies provide that such rationalisation must be cost effective and lead to a more transparent, accountable and efficient public service. As the Deputy will appreciate, it is not possible at this stage to outline projected savings for each body to be rationalised. However, the implications arising are currently being examined within my Department with a view to identifying savings, as well as opportunities for efficiencies and more effective service delivery. My Department expects to submit proposals in this regard to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform by the end of June 2012.
