Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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194. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the discussions he has had with his Assembly counterpart in Northern Ireland, the Minister for Finance and Personnel, regarding public sector reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11987/14]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I have regular engagement on a range of issues of mutual interest with my Northern Ireland counterpart, the Minister for Finance and Personnel, Simon Hamilton MLA, both in the context of the North South Ministerial Council and bilaterally. Minister Hamilton has identified public service reform as one of his priorities.  This is a priority that I share and which lies at the heart of the work of my Department. Following his appointment, Minister Hamilton and I had an opportunity to meet and discuss public service reform, amongst other issues, and there have been follow up discussions at official level.  Indeed, officials from Minister Hamilton's Department are in Dublin this week to meet my officials and continue these discussions.