Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 16: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the purpose and extent of the efficiency reviews of public expenditure as cited in the OECD's 2008 Economic Survey of Ireland; the terms of reference of these reviews; the person who is carrying out these reviews; when he expects these reviews to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15620/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The efficiency review referred to by the OECD is the one I announced in Budget 2008. The nature and terms of reference are set out in the Budget Booklet at Page B.24. In accordance with these terms of reference, all Government Departments and Offices were required to examine all administrative spending within their area, including spending by state bodies under their aegis, and to report back to my Department by March 2008 with specific proposals to maximise administrative savings in their area. The results of this exercise would then be reviewed within the Department of Finance, and the savings identified would be used in reducing the cost of the existing level of services for 2009 and subsequent years.

In setting out the parameters of the Efficiency Review, I laid down no requirements as to the persons who should be involved in conducting the examinations within each Department, nor as to the specific terms of reference that would guide the examination exercise in each case, as these are matters to be determined by the Head of Department or Office in each case. However, in the Summary of 2008 Budget Measures, I indicated that particular areas of interest included possible inefficiencies due to the multiplicity of Boards and Agencies; the need for better sharing of certain services; and efficiencies in management, travel and consumables in general. I also indicated that the measures identified would not jeopardise the maintenance of front-line services. The reviews have now been received and my Department is examining what further action is required. The outcomes of this exercise will be taken into account in the Budget for 2009, at which point the results of the exercise will be published.