Mick Wallace
Ceist:21. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is satisfied with his Department's reform process to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26395/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 2 July 2015
Ceisteanna (21)
Freagraí scríofa
Public Service Reform is a key element of the Government's overall strategy for recovery. Led by my Department, the reforms delivered over the past four years have enabled us to maintain and improve public services in the face of the necessary reduction in staff numbers and budgets, at a time of increased demand for public services.
The Government's second Public Service Reform Plan was published in January 2014 and sets out the priorities for reform for the period 2014 to 2016. While maintaining an emphasis on efficiency and reducing costs, this Plan puts a particular focus on improved service delivery and achieving better outcomes for service users.
We are implementing a broad range of reforms, with over 230 specific actions set out in the Public Service Reform Plan. This includes, for example, more online delivery of services and improved engagement with service users; implementation of shared services and alternative models of service delivery; more efficient and effective public procurement and property management; and increased accountability and transparency in public decision making.
Good progress is being made on the implementation of the Reform Plan, as outlined in the Annual Progress Report on Public Service Reform, which I published in March this year. A copy of the report was sent to all Members of the Oireachtas and it is also available at www.reformplan.per.gov.ie.
The Deputy will also be aware that the Taoiseach and I published the Civil Service Renewal Plan at the end of October last year. The implementation of this ambitious three year plan will lead to major changes right across the Civil Service. The programme is on target to achieve the 6 priorities that are for delivery in the first 200 days of implementation.
Overall, I am satisfied that we have made very strong progress on Public Service Reform to date and that this progress will continue over the coming years. The level of reform that we have delivered could not have happened without the efforts and commitment of our public servants and I commend them for their contribution to date.