PUBLIC sector unions have broadly welcomed the Government's initiative. Under the programme, the Government plans to tackle problems such as "under performance" and to introduce performance related payments.
The Minister for Finance Mr Quinn, was at pains at the announcement of the Strategic Management Initiative (SMI) programme to stress that change would come only through consultation and by people in the public service "taking ownership" of the reforms at all levels.
The Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, and Mr Quinn said they did not feel current problems over staffing levels and pay talks would undermine the programme. On the contrary, Mr Bruton said the reforms would make it easier to reach agreement on issues such as productivity.
So far, only one Civil Service union the Public Service Executive Union has reached agreement with the Government on productivity under the Programme for Competitiveness and Work. It represents junior management grades.
Last night, its general secretary, Mr Dan Murphy, said that, while many issues raised in the SMI required further negotiation, he was "pleased to see the significance attached to the partnership approach to change".
Even the Civil and Public Services Union, which represents the lowest civil service grades and has been involved in serious industrial action over the public sector recruitment embargo and pay, has guardedly welcomed the report.
But its assistant general secretary, Ms Rosaleen Glacken, warned "Low pay and outdated grading structures are a barrier to the development of improved services. For change to be successful, full participation by, and consultation with, the front line staff who deliver services is critical."
Mr Paddy Keating, national secretary of Impact, whose members are in the technical and professional grades, said his union would like to see an opening up of promotional structures.
The employers' organisation, IBEC, described the initiative as very important in promoting greater efficiency in the public service and hence in improving national competitiveness."
. Senior Department of Education officials yesterday briefed more than 450 staff from the Tullamore and Athlone offices on the implications of the proposed SMI changes.
With 40,000 teachers in its employ, the Department operates the State's biggest payroll. It deals directly with over 4,000 schools and the Minister for Education receives more than 8,000 inquiries and complaints each year.
The Secretary of the Department, Dr Don Thornhill, told staff the agenda for change was set out in the White Paper on Education. Regional education boards would be established and many of the functions of the Department would be devolved to these.
"The Department itself is not immune to change. Over the next few years it will undergo a major refocussing of actions, from being a service type institution to a more strategic organisation with many functions involved," he told the Athlone meeting.