Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
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243. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if it is anticipated that the streamlining of pay grades announced in the new Civil Service reform plan will lead to a lower overall pay and pensions bill. [47844/14]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Civil Service Renewal Plan focuses on practical change in creating a unified, professional, responsive, open and accountable Civil Service.  

The Plan is based on a number of practical and specific actions aimed at enhancing the capacity of the Civil Service to deliver services in an effective and efficient manner.  Action 16 of the Plan provides for the redesign of organisational and grade structures in order to simplify them so that all roles and responsibilities are clear. It is also aimed at improving decision making by making sure that grade level never limits opportunities to make decisions, innovate or meet objectives.

Implementation of this provision will take place during the term of the Plan and will be subject to discussions with Staff representatives.   

In light of the importance of the control of the public service pay bill to maintaining the sustainability of Ireland's fiscal position, it will be a priority to ensure that all measures adopted under the Renewal Plan,  are fully consistent with the prudent management of the public finances.