Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

On the organisational review programme, two years ago we asked the implementation group of Secretaries General to develop proposals on four interlinked initiatives on the next phase of modernisation of the public service which comes within the remit of my Department. This includes a series of organisational health checks. It is known as the organisational review programme. Organisational reviews will examine the capabilities of Departments to meet their current service delivery requirements and deal effectively with future changes in direction and new challenges. It comes under the group of Secretaries General across Departments.

Specifically, the reviews will look at the structures, capabilities, procedures and leadership capabilities across the Civil Service. The organisational review programme will comprise eight staff — four principal officers, one assistant principal, two administrative officers and one clerical officer. The four principal posts are filled by principal officers seconded from the Departments of Finance, Social and Family Affairs, Health and Children and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners. The remainder of the team will come from within my Department.

Some €760,000 is being provided for this year to cover the cost which is mainly salaries — €660,000; travel and subsistence — €10,000; publication of reports — €30,000; and consultancy — €50,000. They are answerable to the committee of Secretaries General which is driving this.

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