John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Question 15: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the expected savings and the expected reduction in public service numbers from the rationalisation of State agencies in his Department as announced in the public service reform programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36585/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Government recently announced a radical streamlining of State bodies, including in respect of a number of bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group. This includes decisions to:

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· combine the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Crawford Art Gallery and the National Gallery of Ireland, while retaining their separate identities;

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· merge the National Archives and the Irish Manuscripts Commission into the National Library, while maintaining their separate identities;

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· merge the functions of the Language Commissioner with the Ombudsman's Office; and

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· examine options around shared services and the board structure of the National Museum of Ireland and the National Library of Ireland.

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In addition, decisions have also been taken to critically review by June 2012 the streamlining and shared services agenda in respect of a number of other bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group, including the Chester Beatty Library, the Placenames Commission, the Heritage Council and Culture Ireland. More details in this regard can be accessed on the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform website at www.per.gov.ie

Deputies:

The Deputy will, of course, be aware of the real benefits that will come from a less crowded administrative landscape, resulting in greater democratic accountability, less duplication of effort and clearer lines of responsibility for citizens – all leading to a more transparent, accountable and efficient public service. In relation to savings that will arise from the rationalisation measures announced by Government, it has been estimated that savings of up to €20 million can be expected in relation to enhanced service efficiencies.

Deputies:

With regard to the reduction of public service numbers across public bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group, I anticipate that these numbers will reduce over the coming period in line with my Department's Employment Control Framework. Indeed, the intended streamlining of State bodies can be expected to provide opportunities to redeploy staff to the areas of greatest need in the public service.

Deputies:

I should also say that shared services have the potential to transform the efficiency of State bodies and my Department is actively pursuing this issue. Sharing of back-office and other services will offer significant long term savings in the operation of State bodies generally and options in this regard are being examined by my Department.

Deputies:

Question No. 16 answered with Question No. 7.