merrion street

The Taoiseach, Mr. Enda Kenny T.D., and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin T.D., today (3rd December 2015) hosted the inaugural Civil Service Excellence and Innovation Awards.
The Civil Service Renewal Plan, launched in October 2014, contained a commitment to publicly recognise staff excellence and innovation, and to celebrate success and innovative and impactful team initiatives.
Presenting the awards in Dublin Castle this afternoon, the Taoiseach said:-
“I am very pleased to have this opportunity to thank all the civil servants who contribute so much to Ireland’s social and economic well-being. The innovation, talent and enthusiasm of civil servants have made a positive and lasting impact on the public service as we work to keep the recovery going. Our next challenge is ensuring that the fruits of economic growth are spent correctly. For me, that means building an economy where everyone can share in the benefits. And it means focusing not just on how much we spend, but where we spend and who we spend on. Public service investment must focus on people who will benefit most from early intervention. We must invest early to save later."
Minister Howlin said:-
“Today is a very proud day for everyone who participated in these awards. I think people will reflect on the huge contribution that the Civil Service is making to the country. The last number of years has been not without challenge and the work of civil servants has been of critical importance to navigating those difficult times. We are now emerging with confidence and again the Civil Service has a critical role to play. I wish to congratulate the award winners and all of the teams for participating and putting forward nominations.”
Every civil servant was invited to nominate projects or teams for the Awards that they believe demonstrate excellence. All nominations were assessed within their own Department/ Organisation, with the very best examples being forwarded to a Selection Committee for final evaluation. The Selection Committee received almost 100 entries, from which the final shortlist was created. All finalists were invited to attend today’s event, with the winners being announced on the day.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Robert Watt, Secretary General of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform said:-
“Today’s Awards recognise and showcase staff excellence and innovation in the Civil Service. Every day, civil servants make a vital contribution to Irish life and society and I am delighted to be here today to recognise our achievements”.
Note to the Editor
Award categories:
· Leading Civil Service Renewal
· Digital Excellence
· Insight and Analysis
· Excellence in Policy
· Excellence in Customer Service
· Excellence in Innovation
· Excellence in Skills Development
· Excellence through Collaboration
· World Class Civil Service
· Outstanding Contribution
Further information on the Civil Service Renewal Plan is available here
Details of the shortlisted projects and winners will be published on www.per.gov.ie tomorrow.