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

Since the first public service reform plan was published in 2011, a comprehensive programme of reform has been implemented and this continues to be a key priority. This is important as the performance of the public service has major implications for the management of our finances and for economic development and employment creation.

The public service reform plan for the period 2014 to 2016 put the public ever more to the centre of what we do, both in terms of service delivery and of transparency, openness and accountability. The final progress report on this plan, published in July 2017, was sent to all Deputies and is also available at www.reformplan.per.gov.ie. The report set out a wide range of improved services for the public and savings across a range of projects. Work continues on implementing reforms initiated under the 2014-2016 plan, including the ambitious programme of reform initiated under the Civil Service renewal plan and other sectoral reform programmes. The plan aims to create a more unified, professional, responsive, open and accountable Civil Service that can provide a world-class service to the State and to the people of Ireland.

As the Deputy may be aware, my Department has been developing a new phase of public service reform, called Our Public Service 2020, which was published earlier this week. This will build on the achievements of the last six years and set a path for improvements beyond 2020. It aims to deliver better outcomes for the public, to support innovation and collaboration and to build public service organisations that are both resilient and agile.

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