Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

With regard to public service reform, the Government has set out its vision and strategy for achieving the transformation of the public services. The pressure on resources, reflected in reduced public service numbers, puts a premium on ensuring that this agenda for change is fully implemented. The current discussions taking place with the public service unions are based on the fact that there is significant agreement between the Government and the unions about what can and should be done to modernise the public service and to liberate the talent of those who have so much to contribute, especially at this time of challenge.

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