The Minister for Finance, Mr Brian Lenihan TD, today welcomed the recent report of the Independent Review Panel, chaired by Mr Rob Wright: Strengthening the Capacity of the Department of Finance. The Minister appointed the Review Panel to assess the Department’s performance over the past 10 years and, based on the lessons drawn from that assessment, to make recommendations for the future development, structure and resourcing of the Department.

 

In publishing the report, the Minister stated: “I welcome the Panel’s report. It provides a very fair and thoughtful assessment of the Department’s performance over the past ten years. While a number of recommendations are matters for the new Government and require further consideration, a significant number relate to organisation, skills set and work practices – many of which are being implemented without delay.  The implementation of these proposals will assist the Department in taking on the complex challenges arising in the coming years. I have no doubt but that the Department will address the issues highlighted in the report with vigour and enthusiasm.” 

 

The Minister explained that the Report has been published at this time so as to allow the incoming Government to consider the Report’s recommendations and then make its decision on which policies to implement: 

 

“The Government policy decisions following on from this Report will relate to the work of the incoming Government.”

 

The Minister concluded by stating:

 

“I wish to thank the distinguished members of the Independent Review Panel: Mr Rob Wright, Chairman, Mr Hans Borstlap and Mr John Malone for the thoroughness and professionalism with which they discharged their mandate.”

 

 

Ends

 

 

March 1, 2011