4 May 2004

MINISTER MOVES FORWARD ON REVIEW OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Ian Pearson MP, Minister responsible for the Review of Public Administration (RPA), today stated that responses to the recent consultation on the Review, demonstrated a strong desire, from the people of Northern Ireland, to see the number of public bodies here cut significantly in number, including a reduction in the number of local councils.

His comments followed a series of meetings held with the main political parties, to update them on the themes emerging out of the Review.

Outlining the next steps in the Review of Public Administration process, Ian Pearson said:

"I am committed to delivering a more effective and efficient system of public administration to the people of Northern Ireland. Whilst a considerable degree of work still needs to be done to flesh out the proposals, at this point I see the final model including:

1. A significant reduction on the numbers of public bodies, including Health Service bodies;
2. Local councils being reduced from 26 to single figures, but having more powers, and boundaries that are fully aligned with other service providers in their locality;
3. Arrangements at a local level to ensure the maintenance of local identity and community input to decision-making; and
4. Robust governance arrangements to ensure transparent decision-making, fairness and the protection of minority interests.

"I have considered carefully the key messages emerging from the consultation. It is clearly evident that people want the Review to move ahead without delay, that improving the quality of public services should be the prime consideration for reform, and that people feel that there are too many bodies at present and a lack of effective co-ordination and collaboration between service providers. These are key themes which I will flesh out in developing final proposals that I plan to publish for consultation in the autumn.

"I was encouraged by the constructive discussions I had with the political parties, and believe that there is now a firm basis on which to proceed. The parties have agreed that there is a genuine need for change and have promised to continue to work closely with me to deliver the necessary improvement in service delivery for the people of Northern Ireland.

"I am committed to reflecting the views expressed by the people of Northern Ireland. The scale of the proposed reforms will inevitably require a lengthy implementation phase, therefore we need to reach a position to take decisions as soon as possible. The recent consultation responses and my discussions with the political parties have highlighted the priority issues and the need to make progress. I am therefore determined to move this process forward without delay."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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

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 13^th October 2003, with the deadline for responses being 27^th February 2004. Over 4,500 copies were issued and around 170 responses received.

3. Ian Pearson met with representatives of the DUP, UUP, Sinn Fein, SDLP and Alliance parties last week. Further meetings are planned in the coming months.

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