Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

For the questioning, I propose we permit 15 minute slots, if that is agreeable. Before calling Deputy Charles Flanagan, I want to outline the overall context for the Minister. There are three questions that need to be asked of him. First, what is driving the public sector reform plan? While the reforms have a financial context, surely reduction is not reform in that it creates an additional hindrance. Second, what is the Minister's view of the allegation that we are trying to create a no-frills public sector? In other words, if everything is stripped out, we will end up with a no-frills service. Third, what the committee is ultimately examining is an environment in which people who avail of public services receive a quality service and that those who work in the public service are operating in an environment that allows them do their job to the best of their ability and motivates them accordingly. The target figure in 2014 is 282,500, which represents a reduction of 2,900. What is the aim in arriving at that specific figure?