Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 159: To ask the Taoiseach the steps he is taking to implement the recommendations of the OECD report, Towards An Integrated Public Service, specifically the assertion that public services remain segmented overall; the plans he has initiated to encourage greater horizontal co-ordination between Departments to enable positive outcomes for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23537/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The OECD Review of the Irish Public Service, which I launched on 28 April, is an authoritative assessment of the Irish Public Service which confirms the many strengths of the system and identifies challenges which need to be addressed. The OECD's Report, "Towards an Integrated Public Service" makes a broad range of interlinked recommendations which are interdependent and need to be examined as a package.

While there are a number of initiatives in place which are already addressing many of the challenges identified by the OECD, I intend to pursue a comprehensive programme of renewal of the Public Service which integrates these initiatives and moves us towards a world-class public service equipped to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Last month, I announced the appointment of a Task Force to develop an Action Plan for the Public Service. This Task Force will prepare, for consideration by the Government, a comprehensive framework for renewal of the Public Service, which takes into account the analysis and conclusions of the OECD Review.

In particular, I have asked the Task Force to recommend how best to secure an overarching policy for an Integrated Public Service that enables increased flexibility, mobility and staff development and supports the competencies and practices necessary for new networked ways of working within and across the broader Public Service. Specifically, I have asked the Task Force to look at the contribution which a Senior Public Service could make to an integrated and cohesive Public Service.

The Task Force will complete its work by the end of the Summer.

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 160: To ask the Taoiseach the progress made in implementing the recommendations of the OECD report, Towards An Integrated Public Service, on moving towards a performance focus across all organisations which receive Government funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23538/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The OECD Review of the Irish Public Service "Towards an Integrated Public Service",which I launched in April 2008, marks an important step in the ongoing modernisation of the Irish Public Service. This Report is the culmination of over 16 months of extensive consultation and analysis by the OECD and makes a number of recommendations as to the future direction of public service reform.

Last month, I announced the appointment of a Task Force to develop an Action Plan for the Public Service. This Task Force will prepare, for consideration by the Government, a comprehensive framework for renewal of the Public Service, which takes into account the analysis and conclusions of the OECD Review, as well as the lessons to be drawn from the Strategic Management Initiative, the Organisational Review Programme and the Efficiency Review Process.

The OECD Report raises the issue of strengthening the performance dialogue between Departments, and their Agencies and Offices. As I have previously indicated, I endorse the development of a greater performance culture within and across the Public Service. The Task Force will complete its work by the end of the Summer and I look forward to its report.

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 161: To ask the Taoiseach his views on the assertion within the OECD report, Towards An Integrated Public Service, that the way in which agencies have been set up in recent years has decreased the overall accountability of the public service; his plans to tackle this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23541/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The OECD Review of the Irish Public Service confirms the many strengths of the Irish Public Service and identifies challenges which need to be addressed. This Review contains a wide range of recommendations which are interlinked and which will need to be considered as an overall comprehensive package for the renewal of the Public Service.

As part of their assessment, the OECD examined the management of agencies and made a number of recommendations in relation to governance and improving the performance of agencies. The OECD Review indicates that a properly established, well governed agency can be effective, and can lead to improvements in service delivery.

Last month, I appointed a Task Force to develop an Action Plan for the Public Service. This Task Force, which has already met on two occasions, will prepare for consideration by Government a comprehensive framework for renewal of the Public Service which takes into account the analysis and conclusions of the OECD Report. In particular, I have asked the Task Force to outline an appropriate framework for the establishment and operation and governance of State agencies. The most important issue in relation to Agencies is ensuring that they are doing the right thing — delivering better outcomes for citizens. I have asked that the Task Force report to Government by the end of summer.