Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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30. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on the impact of outsourcing on the delivery of public services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16786/14]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Government is committed to exploring alternative service delivery models including outsourcing, as part of an overall objective to reduce costs and improve customer services. This is a key component of the new Public Service Reform Plan 2014 2016, published in January 2014. There has already been considerable progress made in this area, as outlined in the Second Progress Report on the Public Service Reform Plan, also published in January.

  In July 2012, the Government agreed on a number of actions concerning External Service Delivery (ESD). These aim to develop a focused and integrated approach to the external delivery of non-core processes, with the objective of reducing costs and focusing staff resources on priority areas.

  The Reform agenda is focused on delivering better outcomes for citizens using public services. Hence, the Government is considering alternative delivery models that can improve the quality and efficiency of these services, while ensuring that they remain affordable and sustainable. Some services are more suited to external delivery than others and any decision to change how a service is delivered will take into account a number of factors, including the overall cost, quality of service, effectiveness and public interest.

The implementation of ESD has already proved very beneficial, in terms of increased efficiency, reduced costs and overall improvements in customer service. There are many other potential benefits to ESD, including gaining competitive advantage and the introduction of new technologies. Successful examples of ESD include the administration of the new Driver Licence by the Road Safety Authority, and the administration of personal injuries assessments by the Injuries Board.

  My Department is also committed to the upskilling of Public Servants in this area. A number of training programmes, workshops and seminars have been held, and a range of materials to provide guidance and support have been published.