Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

I have taken many notes and Members can be sure that I have taken on board all the suggestions and thoughts voiced this morning. Some general points must be made.

I have taken the chance again today to outline the Government's position. The Taoiseach and the Minister, Deputy Brian Lenihan, have also done it. I wish Senator Doherty would change the album a little to reflect the times we are in, for a start in terms of macro policy and also in terms of the commitments that have been given. The Government is committed to this agreement but it is critical that both sides, management and the unions, deliver on the promise and potential of the agreement. Significant change must be delivered in the public service to accommodate a reduction in service numbers in a climate of industrial peace. It is a two-way deal, and everyone must deliver on it. If one side fails to deliver on the deal, we do not have a deal.

There was a question about why the plans were late being submitted. Yes, that is unacceptable. It is a bad start to the agreement and I have indicated that it is not acceptable for deadlines to be treated as flexible. They are not. We do not have time on this issue. I noted Senator Twomey's and Senator Walsh's point about their interactions with bodies of the civil and public service that have not been informed about the plan. I will refer that to the implementation body. Every section of the civil and public service, regardless of what agency it is, must start implementing this without any further delay.

Implementation plans are one thing but much work is already under way across the service in terms of change. Senator Twomey touched on an issue with regard to PPARS. Due to the way the PPARS project progressed, there is a fear in some places about venturing into information technology projects in particular. We must get rid of that fear. For that reason the Government is committed to two appointments, a chief information officer for the country and a shared services person to drive forward IT. The aim is to use IT better to deliver services more effectively and more cheaply. Let there be no doubt that the Croke Park agreement is a cost-cutting measure as well as a reform measure. We must reduce our costs and there should be no doubt about my commitment and that of the Government to it.