Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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33. To ask the Taoiseach the position regarding reforms in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20859/14]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Department restructured in 2011, transforming it into the equivalent of a Cabinet Office and further restructuring has taken place following the successful Irish Presidency of the Council Of Ministers of the European Union. HR, pensions, payroll, financial management and ICT services in the Department will be all shared services by the end of 2014.

My Department's Integrated Reform Delivery Plan sets out the reforms that are being undertaken by my Department, which includes changes in relation to governance, ICT, financial management, human resource management, and reflects priorities identified in the Public Sector Reform Plan 2014 – 2016 that Minister Howlin published in January.

The Department is securing productivity increases under the Haddington Road Agreement in order to deliver payroll savings and to flexibly meet the changing demands which are inherent in the Department’s role.

To date the Department has reduced its core numbers by almost 20%, and total overall staff by 17%, since January 2008. It has also reduced its overall budget by 54% since 2008.