The PSA Conference on Partnership in the Modern Public Sector received both the thanks and support of the Minister of
State Services today, and a commitment to a more systematic and strategic role by government in the public sector.
During the morning, Peter Mcloone (the Secretary of their sister union in Ireland) had detailed the consistent role of
unions, the community and employers in Ireland’s recent development.
Richard Wagstaff (Secretary of the PSA) had reviewed the achievements of the first year of the PSA’s Partnership for
Quality with the government, and asked participants to concentrate on the long-term relationships required for decent
work and quality public services.
“We welcome the Minister’s endorsement and commitment to systematic change and improvement,” stated Richard Wagstaff.
“Both the commitment to a rational approach to pay systems in the public sector, and a evolutionary change in
organisation in the sector reflect what our members are saying,” he said.
“Restructuring for restructuring sake, and division within and between departments has wasted resources for the past
decade,” said Richard. “Releasing that waste into both staffing and service improvement is an area where the experts are
our members and I’m pleased that has at last been recognised.”
“We now definitely have some opportunities to focus our thinking on for the rest of the conference and this year.”
Copies of speeches by Richard Wagstaff, Peter Mcloone, and Trevor Mallard are available by contacting Peter Hall-Jones
on 04 917 2034.
ENDS