Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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In this part of the discussion, I have a sense that I am getting two messages from Ms McGrath so I would like some clarification.

The proposition is to have a system with a reporting mechanism that is based on output-based performance targets.

From my reading of the documentation we have been given, there is no suggestion that other data or information would not also be reported. The proposition here is particularly focused on identifying and measuring outputs. While I understand, on one level, that it might be regarded as crude given that it misses the intermediary stages and all the work, effort and resources involved, the OPW should either adopt this model as an integral part of its overall reporting or not. Without casting aspersions on Ms McGrath, her staff or her organisation, if there is equivocation or a half-way house, it will not happen or, at the very least, it will be muddled. Would it be reasonable for Ms McGrath to say she accepts not just the principle or spirit of the guidelines but the guidelines themselves and make them applicable in terms of outputs for the OPW, while accepting and acknowledging that other data, narratives and explanations would accompany that particular slice of reporting? Would this work?