6 October 2005
MINISTER ACKNOWLEDGES PHENOMENAL RESPONSE TO THE REVIEW
Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the Chief Executives' Forum, Jeff Rooker, the Minister responsible for the review of public administration, thanked everyone who submitted responses to the consultation:
He said: "There has been an overwhelming response to this consultation exercise which demonstrates that people understand the importance of these reforms to the future of Northern Ireland.
"Now that all the responses are in I want to move quickly to decisions. Analysis of the responses is already well underway and I am confident that my ministerial colleagues and I will be in a position to take decisions before the end of the year."
Commenting on the reform programme for all sectors the Minister said: "These reforms will be ambitious. They will challenge the status quo. They will disrupt power bases and the vested interests of politicians. They will lead to a radical shift in resources from the backroom to the frontline.
"This is a challenging programme by any standards. I urge all leaders and elected representatives to rise to this challenge and help us create a vibrant world-class Northern Ireland."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. The Review of Public Administration was formally established by the Northern Ireland Executive in June 2002.
2. Its terms of reference are:
"In line with the political agreement of 18 December 1998, which sets out policy responsibilities, and reflecting the Executive's vision as described in the Programme for Government, to review the existing arrangements for the accountability, development, administration and delivery of public services in Northern Ireland, and to bring forward options for reform which are consistent with the arrangements and principles of the Belfast Agreement, within an appropriate framework of political and financial accountability."
3. Information about the Review and the responses received on this consultation exercise can be found on www.rpani.gov.uk/consult.htm
4. All Media Enquiries to Áine Gaughran on 028 9027 7606/ 07717 732079.
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