Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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31. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will report on the key actions to improve public services under the our public service 2020 plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53254/17]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, a new phase for public service reform was set out in Our Public Service 2020,which was published earlier this week.

Our Public Service 2020aims to deliver better outcomes for the public, to support innovation and collaboration and to build public service organisations that are resilient and agile. There are 18 actions in the framework which is built on three key pillars as follows:

Delivering for Our Publicfocuses on ensuring that outcomes for the public are central to service delivery. This will be achieved by involving the public in the design and delivery of services, by improving how we listen and communicate, and by ensuring services are cost-effective. By making better use of new technology and data we will also improve service quality and accessibility . The five actions under this pillar will build on existing progress in areas such as shared services and procurement. The development of digital services and eGovernment is key to improving service delivery as is making better use of data and sharing data more effectively between organisations.

Innovating for Our Futurehas six actions that will enable the development of innovative, robust and joined-up strategies and policies related to the delivery of public services. This pillar will also support collaboration across the public service and help make the most of existing skills and experiences, and data. It will also promote a culture of evaluation. The public service needs to be increasingly innovative and collaborative to effectively respond to the complex challenges facing Ireland now and into the future.

Developing Our People and Organisationshas seven actions which will support public servants and the organisations in which they work. The pillar aims to improve human resource management and to ensure the right mix of skills and tools are there to support public servants in delivering quality services. The actions in this pillar will help to build strong and agile public service organisations. Actions focus on sharing best practice and experience in areas such as strategic human resource management, workforce planning, employee engagement, public service culture and values, and equality, diversity and inclusion.

Implementation will be supported by promoting shared ownership of actions across the public service and by ensuring a strong emphasis on evaluating reforms.