Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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301. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will outline progress made by the agency rationalisation programme: the number of agencies which have been merged or abolished since the Government came into office, and the remaining issues to be addressed during the lifetime of this Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18132/15]

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.

The Report  based on information provided by Government Departments shows that measures involving more than 90 percent of the bodies to be rationalised and merged are complete.  This means that as a result - there are today 170 fewer State Bodies than in 2011, with a further 11 due to go.  The Report also 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 the order 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.  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.  

The remaining measures to be implemented are highlighted in italics in Appendix 2 of the Report.  These measures are well advanced and, where possible, arrangements have been put in place on an administrative basis prior to enabling legislation being enacted.