LABOUR’S RADICAL PUBLIC SERVICE REFORM IS WELCOME - HUMPHREYS

STATEMENT BY CLLR RICHARD HUMPHREYS

Labour Party Councillor for Stillorgan

Friday, 18 November 2011

LABOUR’S RADICAL PUBLIC SERVICE REFORM IS WELCOME - HUMPHREYS

Cllr Richard Humphreys, the Labour Party Councillor for the Stillorgan Ward, has said that this weeks publication of the Public Service Reform Programme by Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin, illustrates how Labour in Government are delivering on their promises and driving through real change.

“The Labour Party is committed to reforming the Public Sector and since taking office we and our coalition partners have implemented a range of measures to ensure that this happens. It is particularly welcome that a pay ceiling has been introduced for senior public servants. I also welcome the increased sense of realism of the public sector trade unions who, like us all, must now deal with a radically transformed economic landscape.  The days when the Labour Party was perceived to be associated with a narrow public sector union agenda are long over.”  Humphreys said.

“This however is only the beginning. As Minister Brendan Howlin’s reform document reveals, many more reforming measures are on the way. I welcome the planned reduction in Public Service staff numbers as a clear indication that this Government is prepared to take tough decisions to fight our way back to economic sovereignty.”

“The Government is committed to rationalising a number of state agencies and boards as well as the streamlining of services such as HR, Payroll and Pensions in the Civil Service.  In all of these matters, actions speak louder than words and I believe that the tough and radical action of the Government will convince even the sceptics.”

“This is no time for individual politicians to be caught up with a narrow concern about their own back yards.  The economic future and destiny of the Irish people as a whole is at stake, and it is to that long term national aim that the Government has firmly fixed its attention.”  Humphreys said.

“This is not just about saving costs however. Reform is about eliminating waste and delivering services to the public in a more efficient way. The Labour Party is committed to this reform programme and we will continue to implement measures to ensure that this change is delivered on.” Humphreys said.

“The opposition’s complaints about the indignities imposed on the State by the IMF/EU bailout are a form of theatre of the absurd.” Humphreys said.  “Those complaining most loudly are some of the people who got us into this quagmire in the first place” he added. “Labour and our partners in Government are working strenuously – and successfully – to take the tough decisions needed to claw our way back to solvency.”

Ends