Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 152: To ask the Minister for Finance if he has rolled out the new performance management and development system within the public service; the expected benefits of such a system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26925/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The aim of the Performance Management & Development System (PMDS) is to provide a framework for aligning individual and team performance with the goals of the organisation, through greater clarity in setting objectives and related performance targets, and for monitoring progress of their achievement. It also provides a context in which the development needs of jobholders can be addressed.

In 2005, on foot of commitments in Sustaining Progress, management and unions in the Civil Service reached agreement on the integration of PMDS with wider HR policies and processes, including assessment systems. In particular, the ratings resulting from annual assessments are now, in addition to their use for staff development purposes, linked to the awarding of annual increments, assignments to higher scales and access to promotion competitions. The annual assessment is based on a uniform five-point scale for all grades.

The integrated PMDS system was introduced in 2006 for training and familiarisation purposes only. From 2007, on ratings inform decisions relating to increments, higher scales and promotions. In accordance with the arrangements agreed with the Civil Service unions, a formal evaluation of the revised model will commence in 2009.