Ireland does not feature a great deal in international studies of civil service reform. Even a recent UK report that reviewed civil service reforms in similar Westminster-type governmental systems did not include Ireland. The absence, until recently, of a significant and ongoing civil service reform agenda in Ireland is one explanation for this omission.
The report of the Independent Panel on Strengthening Accountability and Performance, published yesterday (11 June 2014), has the potential to change this situation. Our recommendations have real benefits in strengthening accountability and performance in the civil service – benefits for the public, the political system and the civil service itself.
The three-member panel met 17 times between 17 January (our first meeting) and 30 May (when our report was submitted). We also held almost 40 meetings with ministers, senior officials, representative groups and individuals interested in this area. Our report is framed by these meetings along with a review of published material on civil service reforms, here and elsewhere, and submissions received as part of a public consultation process.
Our recommendations include establishing an Accountability Board for the Civil Service, chaired by the Taoiseach, with external membership to review and constructively challenge senior management performance and monitor progress in delivery of agreed priorities.
This high-level accountability mechanism would hold Departments to account for their performance and delivery. The rationale for the Independent Panel’s recommendation is to introduce greater rigour to Civil Service accountability and performance. The Board would also have the advantage of providing an additional outward looking focus for the Civil Service. We believe the involvement of the independent external members would assist in strengthening public trust in the administrative system.
We also recommend appointing for the first time a Head of the Civil Service, a role that has never existed in a formal way in Ireland. This individual would have a number of specific responsibilities including ownership of a new performance management system for senior officials.
Prof. Kevin Rafter of Dublin City University chaired the Independent Panel on Strengthening Accountability and Performance in the Civil Service.


