Written answers

Thursday, 1 October 2015

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Public Sector Reform Implementation

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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9. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which the economy continues to benefit from public sector and general reform over the past number of years; if he expects the benefits from such reforms to continue to accrue into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33310/15]

Photo of Brendan HowlinBrendan 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 an essential part of our strategy for recovery.  The reforms we have implemented have enabled us to maintain and improve public services in the face of necessary reductions in staff numbers and budgets, and 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 has been reduced by over 20%.  Other reforms include 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 and improved productivity, reform is also delivering benefits across a range of specific areas such as digital government, shared services, procurement reform and property management.

A second 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; 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.   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.   A Progress Report, outlining the significant progress achieved in the first 200 days, was published in July and is also available on my Department's website.

Public Service Reform will remain a key element of our ongoing recovery strategy. Overall, I am satisfied that we have made significant progress to date and that the benefits of these reforms will continue to accrue into the future.  The scale 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.

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