A major review of the public service will be undertaken by experts as part of its reform, the Taoiseach revealed today.
Bertie Ahern confirmed he had asked the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to carry out a study.
Mr Ahern said the review would benchmark the public service in Ireland against other countries and could aid in making recommendations for future directions for reform.
"The Government is investing unprecedented levels of resources in public services. But problems remain — mainly with delivery on the ground and maximising return on investment. We want the OECD to examine rigorously the connections between the investment decisions that are being made at the Cabinet table in Government Buildings and delivery on the ground around the country in the key areas and issues affecting ordinary people," Mr Ahern said.
Mr Ahern said the review by the international body marked a new phase in the reform of the public service which has been taking place over the last decade.
"This Review will examine the whole Public Service. There will be a particular emphasis on how the various parts relate to each other, including the Civil Service, particular sectors such as local government, health and education as well as agencies.
"The OECD will tell us how the Irish Public Service compares with the best in the world and it will make recommendations as to future directions for reform.
There may be some stark messages for us arising from this Review but we should be prepared for them and be prepared to make the hard decisions which reforms often require," he said.
The study will examine the effectiveness of arrangements between different sectors including links between Departments, Offices and local government, health and education sectors.
"We have already reviewed many individual sectors and parts of our public service system. We now want to take stock and see how does the system as a whole work," Mr Ahern said.
The Taoiseach said other measures would include a system of organisational reviews for public service bodies.
"The extra teachers, nurses and gardai are making an impact. Significant service improvements have been made and many peoples' direct experience with the public service is good — with some obvious exceptions in pressurised areas. But we need further reform. The delivery channels must be improved," he said.
PA