Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 104 together.

Reform and transformation of our public services remains a key priority for Government and it is always a feature of Public Service Agreements. As such, the proposed Public Service Agreement 2024 – 2026 includes a chapter on transformation. If ratified, the Agreement will underpin the ongoing transformation of our public services, allowing reform to continue in a collaborative and cooperative way.

The agreement also reaffirms the extensive provisions of previous agreements, as they apply to the transformation of public services, so that they can continue to provide a framework to enable the sustained transformation of public services.

In 2023, “Better Public Services – The Public Service Transformation 2030 Strategy”, was published. This strategy seeks to deliver better public services through the implementation of actions in line with the core themes of Digital and Innovation at scale, Workforce and Organisation of the future and Evidence informed policy and services designed for and with our public. The new agreement seeks to support this strategy as actions are initiated and progressed during its lifetime and provides for dialogue and engagement, in this regard.

The parties to the Agreement have acknowledged that the public service must play its part in taking a lead role, embracing and adapting to digitalisation and technological developments. This will include maximising the benefits of modern and emerging information technology including Artificial Intelligence, and related technologies, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Data Analytics.

Sectoral reform priorities are specified in the suite of strategies and plans that are contained in the Appendix. In support of public service delivery, there will be engagement, at sectoral level, in relation to these, which include, amongst others:

• Civil and Public Service Transformation Strategies;
• Cross Sectoral reform strategies that support the achievement of climate related goals;
• Health reform including Slaintecare and the delivery of Regional Health Areas.

A key element of the proposed Agreement is that each sector will produce and publish reform action plans and progress reports that will demonstrate delivery each year. These plans provide each sector with an opportunity to identify and agree specific goals and initiatives to be progressed during the lifetime of the Agreement. This is in line with the previous Agreement - Building Momentum and is required in order for pay increases to be realised.

Full detail of the agreed overarching reforms can be found in chapter 2 of the Agreement which has been published and is attached.