Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

66. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which reform throughout the public sector remains a component of economic policy in the context of economic recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6225/15]

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

Public Service Reform was a key element of the Government's strategic response to the crisis and remains a key part of our strategy for recovery.  Reform has enabled us to maintain and improve public services in the face of the necessary reduction in staff numbers and budgets, at a time of increased demand for public services.  For example, 21% more people were in receipt of a weekly social protection payment at the end of 2013 than in 2008, the number of primary school pupils increased by nearly 10% in the same period and there are over 30% more medical card holders now than in 2008.

Significant progress has been made since the publication of the Government's first Public Service Reform Plan in November 2011.  Two Progress Reports on the first Reform Plan have been published - the first in September 2012 and the second in January 2014.  Staff numbers have been reduced by around 10% since 2008 and the pay-bill was reduced from €17.5 billion in 2009 to a forecasted €13.8 billion in 2014, including the pension related deduction.  Good progress has also been made in terms of improving productivity; more online delivery of services; development of shared services; and putting in place the structures to reform public procurement and property asset management, to name just some areas.

A new Public Service Reform Plan 2014-2016 was published in January 2014.  While maintaining an emphasis on efficiency and reducing costs, this Plan puts a particular focus on improved service delivery and achieving better outcomes.  There are over 230 specific actions set out in the Reform Plan including greater use of shared services and innovative approaches to service delivery; increased use of technology and improved engagement with service users; more efficient and effective public procurement and property management; increased accountability and transparency in public decision making; enhanced leadership and performance management; and a continued focus on building the required capacity to deliver reform and service improvements across the Public Service.   A Progress Report on the Public Service Reform Plan 2014-2016 will be published in March. 

The Deputy will also be aware that the Taoiseach and I published a Civil Service Renewal Plan in October last year.  The implementation of this ambitious three year plan will lead to very significant changes right across the Civil Service.   

Overall, I am satisfied that we have made very strong progress on Public Service Reform to date and that this will remain a key element of our recovery strategy.  Finally, the levels of reform that we have delivered could not have happened without the efforts and commitment of our public servants and I commend them for their contribution to date.