Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. If is fair comment that there are many people at work today thanks to the work he, as Minister, did on the Action Plan for Jobs and the like when this country was in the depths of recession. That effort showed how, when we put the focus on employment and enterprise, real progress can be made. I thank him for that.

I made the comments to which he referred at the national economic dialogue because we need to right-size the State. I do not believe the public service is of adequate size or where it needs to be in terms of reform and modern delivery. I cited examples of good practice, such as the passport online service, and other examples of services that are nowhere near where they need to be. As a country, we face both the challenges and opportunities of a growing population. We need to make sure we harness the opportunities. I have asked my officials to consider exactly how best to take matters forward and answer the question as to what should be the appropriate size and operation of public services in Ireland into the future. I will get back to the Deputy when I have a final view on how to take matters forward.

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