Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

To answer the Deputy's question on the Bill, it is my objective to take that Bill to Committee Stage before the summer recess. The Deputy and Deputy Fleming raised a number of points regarding it, although I believe he is broadly supportive of it.

The National Shared Services Office has been in operation since 2014. As the Deputy is aware, the Bill does not propose any change regarding the operation of national shared services but rather looks to put that organisation on a more firm footing.

In terms of progress made since 2014, we have set up two shared services centres. I visited their offices in Killarney and Clonshaugh. I am looking forward to visiting another office in this area in Galway in May.

The office is delivering savings to us already. For example, in 2016, we estimate the savings that have accrued to the State to be of the magnitude of €7.6 million. In 2017, we believe the figure will be €9.7 million. Over the lifetime of the organisation we believe it will deliver savings of approximately €5.5 million per year that will then allow the redeployment of individuals who are currently working on payroll and human resource services to do other work across our civil and public service.

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