The Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern, T.D., together with the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Mr. Brian Cowen T.D., and the Deputy Secretary General of the OECD, Mr. Aart de Geus, today will formally launch the OECD’s Report on their Review of the Irish Public Service.
Speaking in advance of the launch, the Taoiseach welcomed the OECD’s Report, Towards an Integrated Public Service, as an authoritative assessment of the current state of the Irish Public Service.
“I am delighted today to formally launch this Report, which represents 16 months of intensive consultation, fact-finding and comparison by the OECD. The OECD has outlined in depth, the strengths of our current system, but also the disconnects and challenges. We recognise that description, good and bad, and we are ready to respond.”
Continuing his comments regarding the Report, the Taoiseach indicated that:
“The OECD’s findings and recommendations regarding agencies are well-founded and hard-hitting. Departments are focusing on controlling inputs to agencies, rather than on what they should do, or how well they are performing.”
This first ever review of the whole of the Irish Public Service, looks at how it compares with other OECD countries, and makes recommendations for the future direction of the Public Service. It is the first such ‘whole-of Public-Service’ review carried out by the OECD.
“We need new types of leaders within the Public Service, and I welcome the OECD’s recommendations regarding the establishment of a Senior Public Service. I believe the creation of a Senior Public Service, that is complemented by an active programme of senior personnel exchange between the public and private sectors, will greatly enhance the skill-base and capacity of the Irish Public Service.”
The Taoiseach indicated that the findings and recommendations set out in the Review will provide the basis for a renewed agenda for significant transformation of the Irish Public Service. The Taoiseach said he welcomed the emphasis in the Report on making the Public Service work better together, in an integrated fashion, with an increased focus on responding to the needs of citizens.
to access a copy of the report please click on the link below
http://www.bettergov.ie/index.asp?locID=220&docID=-1