21 Márta 2012, 15:33
The Public Accounts Committee will tomorrow hear a detailed briefing on the progress made to date on implementing the Croke Park Agreement from P.J. Fitzpatrick, Chairman of the Implementation Body.
The briefing comes at a key phase for the Agreement where the second year review is now being prepared for presentation to Government in May/June. The presentation to the PAC will outline the achievements so far and the key targets for reform and savings to be achieved across the public service.
Chairman of the Committee, John Mc Guinness TD, in welcoming this briefing by Mr Fitzpatrick, explains that the PAC will take an active role in following up on delivery of items agreed under Croke Park: “The priority issue for the Committee is that the Agreement delivers on the necessary reforms and savings to drive down the cost of services, while at the same time protecting front line services”.
“Where reforms have been agreed, the PAC will follow up with Accounting Officers to ensure implementation so that we get a more efficient public service, intolerant of waste and restrictive practices.”
The briefing by Mr Fitzpatrick will also provide the Committee with the opportunity to evaluate some of the changes that have been agreed and also to critically examine the potential of the Agreement to deliver change and meet the savings targets set by the Government.
Deputy McGuinness concludes: “As a Public Accounts Committee, we have to get assurances that this Agreement is working and we will play our part in ensuring accountability for delivery on what has been agreed.”
Mr PJ Fitzpatrick will be joined by David O Callaghan (Education Sector Group) and Pat Harvey (Health Sector Group).
The meeting takes place at 10am in Committee Room 1 tomorrow Thursday 22 March, 2011.
Committee proceedings can be followed live here.
Ends
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For further information contact:
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Committee of Public Accounts
Membership
John McGuinness (Chairman)
Kieran O’Donnell (Vice Chairman)
Paul J Connaughton,
John Deasy,
Paschal Donohoe,
Anne Ferris,
Simon Harris,
Michael McCarthy,
Mary Lou McDonald,
Sean Fleming,
Eoghan Murphy,
Derek Nolan,
Shane Ross