Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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29. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the proposed outcomes under the third progress report on the implementation of the Civil Service renewal plan and, in particular, on the way in which the 25 specific actions in four key areas will improve the performance of Departments of State which have been the subject of recent public criticism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53253/17]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The Civil Service Renewal Plan was published on 30 October 2014. The plan forms part of the Government’s wider public service reform programme. The Plan sets out a vision and 3 year action plan to achieve it. It outlines 25 practical actions that will create a more unified, professional, responsive, open and accountable Civil Service that can provide a world-class service to the State and the people of Ireland. The actions included in the Plan build on the existing strengths of the Civil Service and identifies areas which require improvement to enhance the capacity and capability of the system to meet existing and future challenges. Its latest progress report, published in June 2017, details the progress made on implementation to date.

Significant achievements to date include: the introduction of a new Corporate Governance Standard for the Civil Service; the development of a new People Strategy; the introduction of talent management programmes; a programme to improve project management capacity; a continuous programme of open recruitment; a new Disciplinary Code and revised performance management ratings system; a programme of organisational capability reviews and ongoing staff communications and engagement including through the Civil Service Employee Engagement Surveys.

A new shared model for learning and development, One Learning,has also been introduced to provide tailored training solutions and development opportunities for staff. New Civil Service wide mobility schemes are being implemented across the Civil Service to enhance workforce capability, support career development and facilitate relocation of staff. The Renewal Programme also encompasses the implementation of the ICT Strategy and major transformation programme for Shared Services in the Civil Service. Work has also progressed to promote the value of the National Data Infrastructure (NDI) in meeting known and emerging data needs in the Public service.

These actions combined are enabling the Civil Service to build strong and agile organisations, to continue to develop staff and thus improve the services provided to the Government and to citizens.