Mr. P. J. Fitzpatrick:

I have no doubt there is a challenge in that regard. There are a couple of points I would make on it. First, it is a long time since the recession preceding the current one. I believe I made the point on the last occasion that many private sector mangers face the same issue as those in the public sector. There are many people in management roles who never managed in a recession and who never had to look people in the eye with bad news. This is not just a public sector phenomenon. This is the first time many managers have managed in a recession, and it is not easy.

Managing change requires skills, so there is no doubt that training is required. This is covered in the reform plan of the new Department and it is being pursued by some other Departments.

A management development programme is required and change management skills certainly are required, some of which can be taken in from outside but people need to be developed within the service as well, as a combination is required.