The Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes was established to examine the current expenditure programmes in each Government Department and to make recommendations for reducing public service numbers. The Group commenced its work in late 2008 and its objectives were to:
- Review the scope for reducing or discontinuing Expenditure Programmes with a view to eliminating the current budget deficit by 2011. As part of this work, they will analyse and make recommendations on the numbers employed in each area of the Public Service;
- Make recommendations on reallocation of staffing or expenditure resources between Public Service organisations as appropriate to deliver the objectives set out in the Programme for Government; and
- Examine and make recommendations for further rationalisation of State Agencies beyond the rationalisation proposals and principles set out in Budget 2009.
Who are the members of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes?
The Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes was chaired by Mr. Colm McCarthy, UCD economist and he was joined by Mr. Donal McNally, Second Secretary General in the Department of Finance to form the core membership.
The Group was assisted by a panel of advisors: Mr. Maurice O’Connell, former Governor of the Central Bank; Mr. William Slattery, Managing Director, State Street International; Ms. Mary Walsh, former Partner PriceWaterhouseCoopers; and Mr. Pat McLaughlin, Business Consultant and former Deputy Chief Executive of the Health Services Executive.
The Report of the Special Group (commonly known as An Bord Snip) was published on the 16th July, 2009.
