Written answers

Wednesday, 20 April 2016

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Public Service Reform Plan Update

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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136. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which reform, as a component in economic strategy, continues to achieve savings in line with projections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7751/16]

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 our strategy for recovery.  The reforms we implemented over the past five years 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 first Public Service Reform Plan in 2011.  Pay and pension measures reduced the Exchequer pay bill by over 20% between 2009 and 2014, and staff numbers were also reduced by around 10% in that period.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.

The 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 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.

The first Progress Report on the Public Service Reform Plan 2014-2016 was published in March 2015 and can be seen on my Department's website.  A second Progress Report will be published shortly. 

The Deputy will also be aware that the Taoiseach and I published a Civil Service Renewal Plan in October 2014.  The implementation of this ambitious three year plan is leading to major changes right across the Civil Service.  

Overall, I am satisfied that we made significant progress on Public Service Reform over the last five years.  It is my view that this should remain a key element of strategy for the future. 

Finally, I would like to commend public servants for the role which they have played in delivering what I consider to be the most significant programme of reform in the history of the State.

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