Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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100. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform what reforms were negotiated as part of the new collective pay agreement for the public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5661/24]

Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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104. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the way continued reform of public services is reflected in the new public sector pay agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5663/24]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 104 together.

Reform and transformation of our public services remains a key priority for Government and it is always a feature of Public Service Agreements. As such, the proposed Public Service Agreement 2024 – 2026 includes a chapter on transformation. If ratified, the Agreement will underpin the ongoing transformation of our public services, allowing reform to continue in a collaborative and cooperative way.

The agreement also reaffirms the extensive provisions of previous agreements, as they apply to the transformation of public services, so that they can continue to provide a framework to enable the sustained transformation of public services.

In 2023, “Better Public Services – The Public Service Transformation 2030 Strategy”, was published. This strategy seeks to deliver better public services through the implementation of actions in line with the core themes of Digital and Innovation at scale, Workforce and Organisation of the future and Evidence informed policy and services designed for and with our public. The new agreement seeks to support this strategy as actions are initiated and progressed during its lifetime and provides for dialogue and engagement, in this regard.

The parties to the Agreement have acknowledged that the public service must play its part in taking a lead role, embracing and adapting to digitalisation and technological developments. This will include maximising the benefits of modern and emerging information technology including Artificial Intelligence, and related technologies, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Data Analytics.

Sectoral reform priorities are specified in the suite of strategies and plans that are contained in the Appendix. In support of public service delivery, there will be engagement, at sectoral level, in relation to these, which include, amongst others:

• Civil and Public Service Transformation Strategies;
• Cross Sectoral reform strategies that support the achievement of climate related goals;
• Health reform including Slaintecare and the delivery of Regional Health Areas.

Full detail of the agreed overarching reforms can be found in chapter 2 of the Agreement which has been published and is attached.