Tom Morrissey (Progressive Democrats)

In recent years we have undergone an expensive process, called benchmarking, that was predicated upon reform in the Civil Service and public service. However, on 17 February 2005 there was a finding in the Department of Finance on skills shortages with regard to the recruitment of 26 people. The trade union IMPACT brought a case, which was not about the fact of skills shortages but who would represent these people if they were appointed at a technical grade or an assistant principal officer grade. The purpose of Sustaining Progress is to address such issues.

In view of this I ask the Leader to arrange for the Minister for Finance to come into the House and explain in precise terms the reforms achieved under the first benchmarking process before there is any attempt to embark on another round. The report states that it has been acknowledged by both sides that this particular provision of Sustaining Progress, which is concerned with the recruitment of skilled staff shortages, was one of some sensitivity and it is, therefore, reasonable to presume that the parties express themselves with some care in regard to the issue.