Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

On the third point, that issue has not yet been considered by the Government. It is being examined in the Department of Finance and has not yet been brought before the Government.

On the first issue raised by the Deputy, the objective of the Government is to proceed, if possible, on the basis of an agreement that meets the economic and financial objectives we have set. In respect of what has been happening in the last 12 years, many initiatives have been taken on the modernisation of various parts of the public service. Some have met with far more success than others. Those where there has been success are a very good indicator of what is possible when there is good, motivated management with good staff representation that can recognise where the organisation needs to go, that the most important people are the citizens whom we serve and that the service should be responsive and flexible enough to meet the needs of citizens, which can vary from time to time throughout a citizen's life depending on what public service is involved. The need for flexibility, to move beyond organisational boundaries and achieve a joint working approach in a team effort, regardless of where people are employed, to maximise the service, given that we have limited resources, is absolutely critical. Where this has happened, many such services have moved from crisis management mode to a totally different situation, where there is far more satisfaction, both for the organisation in terms of how it is perceived by the public and for those who work in it.

Change should be seen as a positive prospect. To see it as something negative to be postponed or not proceeded with in a joint effort is an approach that does not meet the requirements of our current situation or at any time. Change is a constant for many organisations. It is certainly the situation in the private sector and must be so for the public sector. For those of us interested in seeing the public sector continue to play its role, it is about a public sector which is responsive, flexible and understands the need for the changes that must take place. These changes are outlined in the transforming public services programme. It is a very good context and background against which much good work can be done if people put their minds to it. The context for this to happen will be based on the discussions we are having.

I have always made the point that it is better to proceed by agreement. However, at the same time, the Government has its responsibilities to discharge and it will do so. The question of what dates are set for strikes will not dictate the Government's position. The objective merits of the situation require that we proceed and to do so on an agreed basis is preferable once we meet the objectives we are talking about. Everyone recognises that the financial situation of the country is such that those objectives have to be met.

See this speech in context