Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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197. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of agencies quangos or other bodies within, funded by or established by his Department which have been scrapped, merged or reduced since this Government was formed; the amount saved in each case; the reduction in staff as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1019/15]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I refer the Deputy to the Report on the Implementation of the Agency Rationalisation Programme which is published on my Department's web site.  The Report provides information on what has been achieved in reducing the number of state bodies as set out in the 2011 Public Service Reform Plan, including savings, and can be found at

The Report, based on information provided by each relevant Government Department, shows that measures involving more than 90 percent of the bodies to be rationalised and merged are now complete.  This means that as a result of these measures - there are today 170 fewer State Bodies than in 2011, with a further 11 due to go.  This same analysis shows that, to date, recurring annual savings of over €15 million are accruing to Central Government, with a further €2.8m in once-off revenue arising from the disposal of property.  Further annual savings of €9m will be achieved by 2018, as the full year efficiency savings from some of the measures are realised.  It is also important to note that these figures are in regard to direct Exchequer savings.  In addition to these, the Report shows that net savings worth some €40 million will accrue annually to the Local Authority sector on foot of the reform and rationalisation measures in Local Authority structures, which also forms part of the overall rationalisation programme.

In terms of those bodies which are within my own area of control:

(i)  the office of the Commission on Public Service Appointments was merged into the Office of the Ombudsman, with effect from October 2012. 

(ii) the Valuation Office is to merge with the Property Registration Authority and Ordnance Survey Ireland to form a new single body, subject to legislative change being proposed by the Minister for Justice and Equality. It is anticipated that Ministerial responsibility for the Valuation Office and Ordnance Survey Ireland will be transferred to the Minister for Justice and Equality in 2015, in advance of the establishment of the proposed new body.