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Taoiseach addresses the IMPACT Annual Conference, Killarney

Taoiseach Enda Kenny addressed the IMPACT annual conference in Killarney this morning. Speaking on the Public Service, he stated his belief in the necessity of modernisation.

I know that quality public services have a profound influence on the lives of each and every person, right through their lives.

That is why I am ambitious for reform and change in this country – and why I see modernisation of the public service as central to national economic and social recovery.

The Taoiseach outlined reforms contained within the Programme for Government.

The Government has established NewERA to better manage the Government’s shareholding in commercial semi-state companies, and to channel investment towards strategically important infrastructure. We intend to put NewEra on a statutory basis.

Our Pathways to Work strategy is completely reshaping how we help the unemployed get the education, training and support they need to return to work. It includes an overhaul of how we deliver social welfare and training services.

There is now a once in a generation opportunity to transform Ireland’s healthcare system. The government is committed to creating a single tier, more efficient health system where everyone is treated on the basis of need and not income. Through legislative and structural changes, Minister Reilly intends to devolve power through the health system, giving healthcare professionals working on the frontline much greater freedom and flexibility.

Minister Bruton is introducing reforms to deliver a world-class workplace relations service and more effective dispute resolution mechanisms.

The economic crisis has shown us that we need to reform how Government works. We have published draft Heads of legislation to protect whistleblowers across all sectors of the economy. We have undertaken a consultation process on regulation of lobbyists. We have published legislation to limit political donations.

Speaking on Public Sector reform, the Taoiseach acknowledged the contribution of the public service and the achievements of the Croke Park agreement while also acknowledging the ongoing challenge.

I also want to acknowledge the contribution of the public service, including many IMPACT members, who have continued to deliver quality services with fewer resources.

In particular, I was heartened by how well the public service managed the impact of the retirements in February of this year. This was an example of how the Croke Park Agreement can help to protect frontline services.

There are many other good examples of how Croke Park is delivering increased productivity within the public service - through redeployment arrangements, new work practices, new rosters and greater flexibilities.

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I don’t need to remind people here of the huge challenge we still face in closing the budget deficit. I believe that it is in the interests of us all – the Government, the taxpayers, trade unions and public service employees – to accelerate the process of change in the public service.

As part of this process, the Government also wishes to ensure that public services are designed more clearly around the needs of the citizen. That is reflected in the Programme for Government commitments to reform our health and education services... We will only be able to afford the quality service we all aspire to, if we can increase productivity across the public service.

You can read the Taoiseach's speech here.