Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach mentioned the various public sector reform policies and their aims. Are public servants given enough support in advancing those specific policies in every Department? Are they given every possible support? When there is a gradual change in policy, they should be supported and presented with ideals. There has been a trend, in particular among Government politicians, to say that any major crisis that occurs is the fault of the Civil Service or the public service. We talk about public sector reform but these people give considerable service. In general, since the foundation of the State, the public sector has given great service to the people, and there are many fine public servants across the sector, whether in the Civil Service, An Garda Síochána or the health or education sectors. While a small minority of people have abused their positions, most have given great service.

Significant challenges face our society as it evolves, which it has been doing at great speed over the past number of years and which it will continue to do. There is a need to support the public service in each of its facets. What human resource supports are in place? How are public servants being encouraged or equipped for public sector reform? The reform will have an impact on them and the service they are expected to deliver.

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