24 May 2005

COMMITTED TO DELIVERING QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICES

The new Minister in charge of the Review of Public Administration has promised to push ahead with the review.

Speaking at Galgorm Manor in Ballymena, Jeff Rooker said: "The need for reform is pressing. I will work closely with the political parties over the coming months to agree the way ahead. I hope that final decisions can be taken by the end of this year or shortly thereafter to allow the work to implement the proposed changes to begin as soon as possible."

The Minister was giving the keynote address at a conference about community planning. He welcomed the conference as part of understanding and embracing the significant reforms to come.

He said:"Community planning is about strong local government empowering local communities to participate in local decision-making and influence service delivery in their area."

The conference explored the subject of community planning - a process where local councils take the lead in the development of an integrated plan for their area, working closely with other service providers and the private, community and voluntary sectors.

The Minister continued: "Community planning requires strong leadership, commitment and patience. Councils will need to work closely with other service providers and the private and community and voluntary sectors in a true partnership that goes beyond consultation and tokenism."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

• Proposals and options for public administration structures were published for consultation on 22 March 2005. The consultation period ends on 30 September 2005. Consultation submissions should be sent to:
   
   
  Review of Public Administration,
  McKelvey House,
  25, Wellington Place,
  Belfast BT1 6GD
   
  Or email: admin.rpa@rpani.gov.uk
  The document can be downloaded from the RPA website www.rpani.gov.uk
   
• Media queries to: Áine Gaughran, Press Office, Review of Public Administration, Tel 028 9027 7606
• Speakers at the conference were: Martina Moloney, Louth County Council Alison Rigg, Gateshead Council Andrew Spowart, South Lanarkshire Council Victor Brownlees, Armagh City Council Paula Tally, Health Action Zone, Armagh

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