13 October 2003
REVIEW OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION CONSULTATION DOCUMENT LAUNCHED
Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Ian Pearson, today launched a consultation document on the future of public administration in Northern Ireland.
Speaking as he launched the consultation document, the Minister encouraged everyone to contribute to the debate on the system which will best meet the future needs of the people of Northern Ireland.
The Minster said: "The Review of Public Administration was one of the key priorities of the Northern Ireland Executive and, in continuing the Review, the Government has reflected the considerable interest which exists in this issue and the desire to see progress made. The RPA is the first major re-examination for 30 years of how public services in Northern Ireland are organised and delivered. The purpose of this document is to promote debate on the most effective and efficient ways to deliver public services here in the years ahead.
"This document aims to start discussions on a number of important issues which influence how, and by whom, services might be provided. It explains five different models of how public administration might be organised and seeks views on which of these would best meet our circumstances. I hope that as many people and organisations as possible will take this opportunity to respond to the document and help to shape the future of public administration in Northern Ireland."
Following the launch of the Review in June 2002, the Review Team undertook a substantial programme of pre-consultation with key interests, as well as a programme of research and evidence gathering about public administration in Northern Ireland and further afield. This included surveys on how the public views the services which are provided by the public sector and studying models of public administration in other countries.
The Minister said: "Public sector employees are to be commended for the valuable contribution to society that they make. But everyone needs to be open to change so it is vital that we continue to focus on delivering a better service to the public in areas which matter most to them.
"The document clearly places any new arrangements in the context of a Northern Ireland Assembly which provides the ultimate source of political accountability for the people of Northern Ireland and I believe that any decisions on a matter of such importance as this should be taken by the Assembly. I hope that this document and all the other work undertaken by the Review Team, with support from its Panel of Independent Experts, will help the Executive to maintain the momentum when they return to work on the review."
The consultation document is now available to download on the RPA website
www.rpani.gov.uk.NOTES TO EDITORS:
- Hard copies of the consultation document are available by contacting:
Helen Radcliffe
Review of Public Administration
McKelvey House
Wellington Place
Belfast.
- The Review of Public Administration was formally launched following a debate in the Assembly in June 2002.
- For media enquiries contact Clare Baxter on 07810 440265.
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