Event Series:  'Ideas into Action' series

Sponsored by ByrneWallace Solicitors www.byrnewallace.com

Topic: Is the Public Service 'Fit for Purpose'?

Guest Speaker: Dr. Peter Brennan, President of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce delivered an insightful assesment - in his personal capacity - to Dublin based MBAs - of the Government's programme to transform the public service in the context of the Croke Park Agreement and having regard to the Exchequer's budgetary constraints. He reviewed the strategies, reports and political promises made that are relevant to the competitive position of the Dublin City Region to determine whether words are being translated into actions and to answer the question -  Can the public sector really deliver the Irish economy out of recession; or is it part of the problem?

For those who miissed this event, there is an opportunity to download and read the full paper.

Extracted from Dr Peter Brennan's paper: Is Ireland's Public Servuce Fit for Purpose?

At the outset I wish to emphasise that Ireland needs a strong public sector, but critically one we can afford and most importantly one that is structured and mandated to secure our collective economic well-being, with job creation at the core of the Government’s efforts.

Also it is important to make the point that the economy has grown over the past 50 years thanks largely to the vision and determination of some of the country’s most skilful public servants.

The Croke Park Agreement provides the Government with a strong mandate to implement major reforms of the public sector. There is recognition that the imperative to transform our public services has never been greater and that this task is formidable.

Given the continuing crisis facing the Exchequer, there is in reality - and regretfully - only one option; the public sector needs to become more efficient; trimmed back with all non-essential services first identified and then phased out or outsourced; 2and most importantly restructured.

New priorities will have to be set with e-Government a critical enabler. 3 New smarter ways of delivering services will have to be found.

An unprecedented transformational programme across the entire public service is unavoidable. This change programme is taking place against the backdrop of low morale and poor motivation within the public sector.

To read the full paper, download here http://pbeps.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/mba-assocation-presentation.pdf

Speaker Profile:
Peter's areas of expertise include economic and policy research, business strategy and public policy advocacy. With almost 40 years of experience in both the public and private sectors at both national and EU levels, he has gained considerable insights about areas such as infrastructure development, climate change, green economy business opportunities and public sector reform. Since his return from Brussels in 2001, Peter has carried out consultancy projects for most Government Departments, the Oireachtas, the European Commission, State Agencies, Local Authorities and a wide variety of private sector clients. As well as being Managing Director of EPS Consulting, Peter is the current President of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce. He is Chairman of the Institute of European Affairs Climate Change Project, a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants and Advisors, and an active member of the Institute of Directors and the Small Firms Association. Peter is also a member of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP). His company has won over 100 public tenders and he brings this practical expertise to Bid Management Services; a joint venture partner of EPS Consulting. He is a member of the Edelman Ireland Advisory Board and a mentor to several start-up businesses.

Time & Date: 6.00pm for 6.30pm on Thursday 23rd September 2010

Venue: ByrneWallace, 2 Grand Canal Square, Dublin 2, Ireland.

Tea/coffee on arrival.

Register for this event:
Admission is free for MBA Association members and a guest, to register, please click http://www.eventelephant.com/ideasintoaction

Organised by: Robert Cooper
Chairman and the Eastern Chapter Committee