Mary White (Fianna Fail)

The Tánaiste stated also that the setting up of the Office of the Minister for Children was a significant development in integrating services and an important part of our policy making.

The report recommends that rather than creating new structures there should be a network approach to working across existing structures to allow greater connectivity between different sectors. Importantly, in a potentially tighter fiscal environment, the Tánaiste said there is a need to prioritise spending within budget frameworks. On the Order of Business I have drawn attention to the Health Service Executive budget of €14.9 million and the fact that rather than look for more money it must prioritise the areas it is dealing with and deliver efficiency and performance.

There are many recommendations in the report but the Tánaiste stated: "I agree with the OECD that there is a compelling need to adopt a more citizen-centred approach". That is the first time I have heard that spelt out. As in private business, the customer is the most important person. The public services are to be geared towards looking after the citizens who fund the public services.