A major review of the Irish public service conducted over the last 14 months by the OECD will be published at the end of the month, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said today.
Speaking at the public service excellence awards in Dublin Castle, Mr Ahern said the “first full-system” review ever conducted by the OECD will be released on April 28th.
He said: “The review involved thorough and extensive research and analysis over the past 14 months on the Irish public service, including benchmarking the systems and processes here against those of other OECD countries.”
Its recommendations and findings, he said, would help to set the agenda for the next round of change and reform in Ireland in the entire public service.
In his speech, Mr Ahern said he believed the next phase of public service reform needed to improve the policy-making process; ensure effective service delivery for citizens; and increase consultation with citizens and stakeholders.
The Taoiseach said public services in Ireland had radically changed during his time in office largely due to a willingness to embrace change and reform.
“The delivery of public services is now more customer-focused – it is more responsive and pro-active, based on the needs of the stakeholders and the public it serves, rather than on traditional or bureaucratic processes.”
He said the awards were key to promoting a consistently high level of service to customers of the public service.