Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 February 2013
33. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on whether the volume and quality of services delivered to the public will be improved as a result of the outcome of the Croke Park talks; the way this is measured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10386/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has, and will continue to be acutely aware of the needs and interests of the users of public services and the quality of those services. The Government’s ambitious Public Service Reform Plan was published in November, 2011 and sets out the basis for the comprehensive and strategic reform of the Irish Public Service. The Plan includes a core commitment to “place customers at the core of everything we do ”. In the context of a smaller and leaner Public Service, there is a requirement to become more strategic and flexible and to focus on supporting citizens and businesses where and when they need it most.
The recent discussions between public service management and the ICTU Public Services Committee have resulted in a set of proposals from the Labour Relations Commission on a series of pay and productivity measures in order to achieve the Government’s target of an additional €1 billion in savings as part of our determination to meet our fiscal targets.
The proposals contain a number of reforms and workplace changes that will help to ensure that front line services are maintained and in some areas improve these services, in the face the necessary reduction in the numbers of public service staff.
The full details of the LRC proposals are available on my Departments website.
