Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I know what they cost, but the amount is not large because the allowances do not apply to large categories, for example. I heard the distinguished broadcaster Ms Ingrid Miley talk about a boot allowance of €69 per year, but abolishing it will not contribute massively to the public finances. Allowances are included in a great amalgam, but they vary widely. I will endeavour to give as much detail as possible by issuing the aforementioned letters and so forth.

The question was asked as to how we could disaggregate Croke Park agreement reforms from what would have been happening in any event. The implementation body is supposed to examine the implementation of the Croke Park agreement, the framework through which the reform agenda is progressing.

Members asked why change was taking so long, which was a nice and handy political ball to present to me. We now have a Department responsible for reform, led by a Minister and a Minister of State who are determined to reform, as well as an office and a Secretary General responsible for reform, which is why things are now happening. However, the proof of the pudding will be in the eating. At the end of our five year term we want to have a transformed public service. I hope it will be accepted that there will be hiccups along the way.

Deputy Paschal Donohoe spoke about involuntary pain in the private sector, but I can assure him that there was no voluntary sign-up for a pay cut or a 7% pension levy in the public sector We must, therefore, be balanced in our approach. New jobs are still being announced and there are a lot of areas in the private sector which have taken no hit.

Part of the private sphere has fallen off a cliff, so to speak, especially the area related to construction. Everyone in the public sphere has taken a hit so there should be some balance in the dialogue.

Deputy Nolan asked a question about management and I have dealt with that. I also dealt with the allowances issue raised by Deputy Connaughton. Deputy Fleming raised another issue. I will ask Paul Reid to discuss who is driving the change and management systems, and the Minister of State, Deputy Hayes, will refer to procurement and property.