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

94. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he and his Department have identified areas requiring further reform in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33899/15]

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

The Government's first Public Service Reform Plan was published in 2011. This plan provided the basis for the most significant programme of reform since the foundation of the State and was a key component of Ireland's recovery. Building on progress made in the first plan, the second Public Service Reform Plan was published in January 2014, covering the period 2014 to 2016.

The 2014 Plan places a particular emphasis on improving outcomes for service users, as well as maintaining the necessary focus on increased efficiency. 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. Publication of a second progress report is planned for early next year.

The Deputy will also be aware that the Taoiseach and I published a Civil Service Renewal Plan in October 2014 which runs for three years and will lead to major changes right across the Civil Service. A Progress report on achievements in the first 200 days was published in July and is also available on my Department's website.

Public Service Reform is by its nature a fluid process. Projects mature and new opportunities for reform initiatives are explored on an ongoing basis. The current plan, while setting out specific initiatives for the three year period 2014 to 2016, also sets out the broad direction of Public Service Reform to 2020.