Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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253. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason he has not sought the opening of formal negotiations on giving effect to the various elements of the Civil Service renewal plan with the public service unions; if his attention has been drawn to the unions that have indicated their willingness to participate when his Department issued the prerequisite invitation to discussions; the delay in opening implementation negotiations on this priority issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5962/15]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I published the Civil Service Renewal Plan along with the Taoiseach on 30 October last.  The Plan was informed by a year-long engagement and consultation process which involved some 2,000 staff and stakeholders.  It brings together the work of the Independent Panel on Strengthening Civil Service Accountability and Performance and the work of the Civil Service Renewal Taskforce, an internal group of senior managers.  Members of the civil service trade unions attended various engagement events and in addition my officials briefed trade union officials about the renewal work.  As implementation of the ambitious prgramme of change in the Plan proceeds over its three year timeframe there will be further engagement with the civil service trade unions as and when appropriate.