Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 November 2017
20. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the degree to which his Department plans to incorporate further reforms throughout the civil and public service with a view to achieving better value for money, improved economic impact and delivery of services to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47275/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the first public service reform plan was published in 2011, a comprehensive programme of reform has been implemented and this continues to be a key priority. This is important as the performance of the public service has major implications for the management of the State’s finances, and for economic development and employment creation.
The 2014-16 public service reform plan put the public ever more to the centre of what we do both in terms of service delivery and transparency, openness and accountability. The final progress report on this plan, published in July 2017, was sent to all Deputies and is also available at www.reformplan.per.gov.ie. The report set out a wide range of improved services for the public and savings across a range of projects.
Work continues in implementing reforms initiated under the 2014-16 plan including the ambitious programme of reform initiated under the Civil Service Renewal Plan and other sectoral reform programmes. The CSR Plan aims to create a more unified, professional, responsive, open and accountable civil service that can provide a world-class service to the State and to the people of Ireland.
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department is currently developing a new phase of public service reform called Our Public Service 2020 which is expected to be published by the end of the year. This will build on the achievements of the last six years and allow the public service to better respond to new challenges.
Our Public Service 2020 aims to deliver better outcomes for the public, to support innovation and collaboration and to build public service organisations that are resilient and agile. The framework is built on three key pillars:
- Delivering for our public
- Innovating for our future
- Developing our people and organisations.
It will also ensure a continued emphasis on ensuring value for money principles are adhered to across the public service.
