Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 March 2022
282. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the degree to which reforms throughout the public sector remain in place to ensure accountability, collective responsibility and good value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11619/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe ongoing reform of our public services has been an integral part of my Department's function since its establishment in 2011. In view of the significant and pervasive impacts experienced as a consequence of the Covid19 crisis, the Government's programme of reform and modernisation is particularly relevant as we seek to return our economy and society to full recovery.
In accordance with my Department's Statement of Strategy, officials are currently preparing the next phase of public service reform (to succeed Our Public Service 2020) which will incorporate priorities that were articulated in the recently published Public Service Innovation Strategy, Making Innovation Real in addition to aligning with ambitions set out in the programme of renewal for the Civil Service (CSR 2030 and its recently published three year Action Plan (CSR2024), as they relate to the wider Public Service. Additionally, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer in my Department is due to publish a new Public Service Digital Strategy very soon, and this will clearly articulate our ambitions around further embedding digitisation and the increased delivery of digital services to the public.
In order to ensure coherence and support for the reform efforts across the wider Public Service we have established the Public Service Management Group and Public Service Leadership Board, which draw on senior management from right across the Public Service. These senior level groups oversee the delivery of our reform programme for the public service.
As regards the drive for more value for money all public organisations are required to treat public funds with care, and to ensure that the best possible value for money is obtained whenever public money is being spent or invested. This is in accordance with the Public Spending Code. Moreover, Action 5 of Our Public Service 2020 emphasises the need to ensure value-for-money principles are adhered to across the Public Service.
As part of this broader approach to ensuring value for money, the introduction of shared services and centralised procurement in earlier phases of reform continue to be embedded in the delivery of services to clients and customers. My Department continues to actively explore new areas and mechanisms to further embed reforms and efficiencies that will enhance the cost-effectiveness of public services; for example, through greater use of opportunities presented through digitisation, intelligent automation, innovation and the implementation of new ways of working and service design.
The Deputy may also wish to note that by agreeing to the Public Service Pay Agreement ‘Building Momentum’, all parties involved have committed to the ongoing reform and development of public services to meet the changing needs of citizens, communities, businesses and the staff who deliver our public services.
