Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

I read the high level statement of the Department, which sets its targets. These include a high performing public service, value for money, a regulatory structure that secures public confidence, an effectively functioning banking system and budgetary stability. If anyone sought a comprehensive statement of everything that has gone wrong in the past three or four years, it is available in that list. However, the annual output statement of the Department declares "delivered" beside each of these targets; that is to say, the Department has delivered a reformed public service, a regulatory structure with public confidence, budgetary stability and an effectively functioning banking system. Who is it fooling? These things have not been delivered. We must have a more realistic approach.

It has been widely speculated that a Department of public service reform will be established. Does the Minister support the establishment of such a body in view of the ineffectiveness in his Department in delivering public service reform?

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