Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

16. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the timetable he envisages for implementing the report of the independent panel on strengthening Civil Service accountability and performance; the actions he has taken to commence its implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29681/14]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In January last, I established the Independent Panel on Strengthening Civil Service Accountability and Performance.  This followed the publication of the consultation paper on the Programme for Government commitments: 'Strengthening Civil Service Accountability and Performance'.  The Independent Panel oversaw an extensive public consultation process on these issues, reviewed submissions received, met with a large number of stakeholders, and undertook their own analysis and assessment.  The Independent Panel furnished their report to me by end May, and I subsequently published it on 12 June 2014.  

The Independent Panel's recommendations are aimed at enabling the development of a stronger performing and more accountable Civil Service.  These include establishing an Accountability Board for the Civil Service, appointing a Head of the Civil Service, introducing a performance management system for Secretaries General, and publishing who does what and to whom they are answerable in the Civil Service.  

The Independent Panel's report and its recommendations are currently being considered in the context of determining the agreed actions to be implemented under the Civil Service Renewal Programme. The Civil Service Renewal Plan is currently being finalised and I expect to be in a position to bring it to Government in due course.