Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
THE DEPARTMENT OF Finance has said that a fall in investment has made it “impossible for it to achieve its overriding strategic goals” set by itself and by the government in its latest strategy document published today.
The Department of Finance Statement of Strategy 2011 – 2014 has been published with revisions for 2012 today and outlines a number of strategies to be undertaken including the establishment of an economics division and a project management unit.
The paper comes on foot of the establishment of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform which has taken over the spending allocation aspect of the Department of Finance.
The latest strategy document contains details of a further breaking up of the department’s organisational structure into separate units and divisions.
Each government department is required to present a statement of strategy to the government for the period 2011 and 2014.
The aim of the economics division will be to focus on economic planning and performance monitoring with those working in the unit working on economic forecasts, carrying out macro-economic analysis and producing position papers.
A fiscal division will deal with taxation policy while a financial services unit will deal with financial regulation and monitoring the government’s stake in Ireland’s financial institutions.
An international division will deal with delivering the commitments laid out in the international bailout programme as well as Ireland’s upcoming presidency of the European Union and wider international relations.
In the document the new secretary general of the Department, John Moran, says that a fall in investment has made it impossible to achieve some of the objectives laid out.
The document states: “Since 2008 pay and non-pay costs have fallen significantly reflecting a fall in staffing and associated supports. This fall in investment in the Department makes it impossible for us to achieve our overriding strategic goals set by ourselves and by the Government.
“This is particularly so with the key important roles to be undertaken by the Department during the Presidency of the European Union in 2013 and in spearheading the economic recovery of the country.
“To continue with such reduced resources is not sustainable or advisable given the greater challenges facing the economy and financial sector.”
The document recommends a “threefold action plan” which will include extra training of staff as well as laying down challenges to “key performing staff”, there will also be additional staff hired to work in the Department in order “supplement our skills base”.
The Department has also promised to improve communications and transparency by examining how it can use social media to “communicate in more innovative ways”. It has also promised to improve its internet presence.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Welcome to the real world DoF.
The days of unlimited funding are over whether Ireland does or does not ratify the fiscal compact.
Fiinance Officials that cannot grasp the concept of economy should be given their P45.
Food aid in Amsterdam. Irish emmigration at highest level since the 19th century.
A bleak picture of life outside Irelands civil service.
http://mobile.bloomberg.com/news/2012-05-09/dutch-with-food-aid-shows-new-economic-reality-engulfing-europe.html
An economics division at the Department of Finance? Sure, haven’t we been managin’ grand without all that Keynesian shtuff all these years.
An economics division. You can’t make it up. :)
Hang on, does anyone else find it slightly alarming that the DoF are ONLY establishing an economics division? It’s no wonder this country is in such an awful state!
A bunch of idiots advising a bunch of idiots about economic planning, anyone with brain cell to play with knows economic planning is vital for stability and growth!
Sick of this country being run be popular teachers and their mates!
Agreed 100%.
Presume you meant to say populist or poxy instead of popular though. ;)
Hahahahaha I’ll rephrase that so.
poxy, pompous, condescending, pious, sycophantic teachers! Oh and their mates!
Haha Well done 10/10. Up the front for you and no homework young master Greene.
I think the department personnel may need substantial bonuses to encourage them to see things positively, that should help lift their spirits. If that doesn’t work they should all be fired and replaced by normal, driven and intelligent staff. In fact skip the first plan, I’ve grown substantially bitter since beginning this post, I remember most of these people are a major culprit in our present crisis, just fire the idiots.
That’s one government department on track for reform but when will all the others come on board. Why are we waiting. !
The should engage Joanne O’Riordan to tell them the difference between possible and impossible
Of course it is under staffed! – The head of the department is left with no option but to recruit his best friend to help sort out the mess. Look at the O Reilly example on the Mater Site – who did he employ to review it?
did he say reorganise or cover up its getting easier to tell the truth from the lies now because it is all lies .
Impossible? Can’t do the job? Ah well, might as well save some money and shut the whole department down then.
have your say