Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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323. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which reform, as a component of economic strategy, continues to achieve savings in line with projections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18666/15]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Public Service Reform was a key element of the Government's response to the crisis and continues to be essential as part of our strategy for recovery.  The reforms we have implemented have 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. 

Significant progress has been made since the publication of the Government's first Public Service Reform Plan in 2011.  Staff numbers have been reduced by around 10% since 2008 and the pay-bill was reduced from €17.5 billion in 2009 to €13.8 billion, net of the pension related deduction in 2014 (a reduction of over 20%).  Other reforms included changes to terms and conditions such as reduced sick leave entitlements and additional working hours. In addition to the reduced cost of the Public Service overall, reform is also delivering savings across a range of specific areas such as shared services, procurement reform and property management.

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.  The actions set out in the Reform Plan address areas such as: 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 comprehensive Progress Report on the Public Service Reform Plan 2014-2016 was published in March of this year and can be seen on my Department's website. 

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 major changes right across the Civil Service.   

Overall, I am satisfied that we have made significant progress on Public Service Reform to date and that this will remain a key element of our recovery strategy.