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29 March 2004

MINISTER ANNOUNCES PUBLICATION OF CONSULTATION RESPONSES TO RPA CONSULTATION

Ian Pearson MP, Minister with responsibility for the Review of Public Administration (RPA), today announced the publication of responses to the recent consultation on the Review.

Around 170 responses have been received, and these can now be viewed on the RPA website, www.rpani.gov.uk

Welcoming the publication of the responses, the Minister said:

"The Review of Public Administration is the most fundamental review of how public services are delivered, ever undertaken in Northern Ireland. I am pleased so many local organisations and individuals have taken the time to submit their views.

"Around 170 submissions were received from a broad cross-section of Northern Ireland society, including local councils, professional bodies, health, education, consumer groups, the community and voluntary sector and the private sector."

Commenting on the broad range of responses the Minister said:

"I feel that we now have a sound basis on which to proceed. The Review team has already begun the process of analysing the responses received. Once they have all been considered, I plan to meet with the main political parties to discuss the emerging findings and to work with them towards building a broad consensus on the new shape of public administration. I hope to publish firm proposals for consultation in the Autumn.

"The people of Northern Ireland deserve the most effective system of public administration we can give them, and I am committed to making this happen."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. The responses are listed on the RPA website www.rpani.gov.uk

    2. in alphabetical order. For ease of reference, the key stakeholders’ responses are also listed by sector, as follows:

    • Local Government
    • Health
    • Educational Sector
    • Community and Voluntary Sectors
    • Charities
    • Private Sector
    • Non-Departmental Public Bodies
    • Political Parties

  2. The Review of Public Administration consultation document was launched on 13th October 2003, with the deadline for responses being 27th February 2004. Over 4,500 copies were issued and around 170 responses received.

  3. For further information, please contact Scott Harbinson on 028 9025 7872
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