Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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575. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if reform as a component in economic strategy has achieved savings in line with projections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13624/16]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Public Service Reform was a key element of the response to the challenges of recent years and continues to be essential as part of building for the future. Significant progress has been made since the publication of the first Public Service Reform Plan in 2011, including in the area of reducing costs. This includes, for example, a very significant reduction in the Public Service pay bill and 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 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; and enhanced leadership and performance management. The second Progress Report on the Public Service Reform Plan 2014-16 was published in April. The report was sent to all Deputies and is also available at .

A Civil Service Renewal Plan was also published in 2014 and the implementation of this ambitious three year plan is leading to major changes right across the Civil Service.

Overall, I believe that there has been significant progress on Public Service Reform to date. We must build on this progress and maintain a focus on Public Service Reform over the coming years. It is essential that targeted recruitment and investment in public services is done in tandem with further Public Service reform measures, not least as current and future demographic trends will continue to place demands on public service delivery.