Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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190. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to outline the extent to which reform will remain central to Government policy in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2356/16]

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 an essential part of our strategy for recovery. The reforms we have implemented over the past five years 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.

Following on from strong progress on the implementation of the Government's first Public Service Reform Plan (2011), our second Reform Plan was published in January 2014 and sets out the priorities for reform for the period 2014 to 2016. While maintaining an emphasis on efficiency and reducing costs, this Plan puts a particular focus on improved service delivery and achieving better outcomes for service users.

We are implementing a broad range of reforms, with over 230 specific actions set out in this Reform Plan. This includes, for example, more digital delivery of services and improved engagement with service users; implementation of shared services and alternative models of service delivery; more efficient and effective public procurement and property management; and increased accountability and transparency in public decision making.

Good progress is being made on the implementation of the Reform Plan, as outlined in the Annual Progress Report on Public Service Reform, which I published in March last year. A copy of the report was sent to all Members of the Oireachtas and it is also available at . It is intended to publish the second Annual Progress Report on Public Service Reform in the coming months.

The Deputy will also be aware that the Taoiseach and I published the Civil Service Renewal Plan in October 2014 which sets out a three year action plan and is leading to major changes right across the Civil Service. A Progress Report on achievements in the 'first 200 days' was published last July and is also available on my Department's website. Since then, work has continued on the remaining actions in the Plan and a further Progress Report detailing the progress made during the second phase of implementation will be published in early summer.

Overall, I am satisfied that we have made very strong progress on Public Service Reform. A focus on reform and continuous improvement must be an essential element in the strategy of all Departments and Offices. Therefore, I believe that reform should continue to be a key element of any future strategy.