Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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Question 94: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his policy on private sector involvement in the public sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13167/12]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Last November, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform launched the Public Service Reform Plan, which was based on increasing efficiency, effectiveness and flexibility in the Public Service. There is an onus on the Public Service to ensure that it provides real value for money in the services it provides. One of the key themes of the Reform Plan is to maximise new and innovative service delivery channels. As well as increasing the use of eGovernment and improving service processes generally, this includes the consideration of options for external service delivery and a number of actions in this regard are set out in the Reform Plan. It is clear that developments in this area may present opportunities for private sector organisations and for job creation within those companies.

More generally, in developing and improving the capacity and capability of the Public Service, the input of the private sector will be of value at a time when we are radically changing delivery models. In this context, private sector involvement can help to offer new ideas and innovative approaches to public service delivery, while maintaining a client-centred focus.