Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

I thank the House for the Second Stage debate on the Civil Service Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2004. The legislation represents a significant step forward in the process of completing the comprehensive and ambitious reform programme envisaged in Delivering Better Government and the strategic management initiative, with which some have minor difficulties. The Bill also completes another element of Sustaining Progress.

Delivering Better Government envisages a public service which makes a substantial contribution to national development and is effective and efficient in delivering high-quality services to the public. To fulfil this role effectively requires the putting in place of modern management practices. Improvements in service delivery are to be underpinned within Departments by organisational improvements in a number of areas including financial and human resources management. Delivering Better Government recognised the need to give Secretaries General the authority to exercise responsibility in critical areas of human resources management, especially the appointment, performance, discipline and dismissal of staff.

The framework for the better management of staff was set out in the Public Service Management Act 1997. As the Bill gives effect to the framework, it is an important element in the continuing improvement and modernisation of the Civil Service. The Bill will help to strengthen the levels of accountability within the Civil Service, increase its focus on performance and facilitate the important devolution of responsibility to line managers across the service by giving effect to the 1997 Act. The House has had a useful debate on matters arising in the Bill and I will certainly consider the points made by Senators O'Toole, McDowell and Brian Hayes.