Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 February 2013
27. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps he will take to prevent the establishment of new State agencies and quangos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10411/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe focus to date of this Government has been on the rationalisation of state bodies, and by the end of 2012 there were rationalisation measures fully implemented across 21 bodies and measures effecting a further 82 bodies at advanced legislative / administrative stages. The Programme for Government also contains a commitment that when a Department is proposing a new agency or state body, it must prove that the proposed new functions cannot be carried out within its existing structures. In November 2011, I strengthened this commitment by setting out a requirement in the Public Service Reform Plan that in future, legislation to create a new state body should include a ‘sunset clause’ ensuring that the body will cease to exist after a predetermined date unless the body’s mandate is specifically renewed.
