Benefits will outweigh costs, says Taoiseach

THERE will be an “inevitable cost” in restructuring government departments and agencies as part of the Cabinet reshuffle, the Taoiseach admitted.

But Brian Cowen said this will be outweighed by the benefits of job creation and economic recovery brought about by the five new departments which he said would “bring fresh focus” to the work of the Government.

The changes will also bring about some “disruption” according to the Taoiseach, who promised to increase consultation with public sector unions and strengthen his Government’s focus on public sector reform.

After unveiling his new front bench in the Dáil yesterday, Mr Cowen said he was “reinvigorating” his team and promised they would “steer Ireland out of these rough waters”.

Unveiling two new senior and three new junior ministers, Mr Cowen said each office holder is entrusted with the leadership “to make Ireland a better place”.

He said: “Public office has never been so demanding but it is a privilege to serve the people.”

A much-anticipated Department of Economic Renewal did not materialise in the reshuffle but Mr Cowen made changes to five existing departments which will swap around some functions and responsibilities.

He said there was no point “making structural changes for their own sake” but that the reconfiguration will focus on the jobs agenda.

“In the past two years the world has changed radically and we as a country have been changing with it,” he said.

“As our focus shifts to generating economic growth again, so must Government adapt to the new challenges and sharpen its focus on new tasks.

“This requires changes in how the Government works,” said Mr Cowen.

A new Department of Social Protection will combine the responsibility of welfare payments for the unemployed while providing support services to help people return to work, under Minister Éamon O Cuív.

Responsibility for social inclusion and family policy will be moved to a new Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs which will also take some functions on integration and human rights away from the Department of Justice.

A new Public Service Board will be created to “bring greater focus and energy to the task of public service transformation”.

Mr Cowen said: “Restructuring of departments and agencies inevitably entails disruption and costs. But I am satisfied that with the changes I am making, the benefits will outweigh the costs.”

Mr Cowen used his speech to pay tribute to former minister Martin Cullen and also mentioned former defence minister Willie O’Dea, who resigned in controversial circumstances over remarks he made about a political rival.