Fine Gael and Labour go forth with '40 steps'

FINE GAEL and Labour last night outlined 40 steps they would take to secure better value for taxpayers' money if returned to office.

They delivered this under three headings - "Setting Strategy and Assessing Performance", "Real and Effective Ministerial Accountability" and "Reforming the Estimates Procedure".

On strategy, the parties said they would ensure the Taoiseach and Tánaiste took a central role in setting a limited number of strategic priorities for the Government. They would also set high-level targets for ministers, and regularly assess their performance.