Civil service grading - Simply unbelievable

Sadly, once again the great chasm between the public and private sectors has been underlined by the news that performance assessments in the civil service were more a rubber-stamping exercise than a properly conducted performance assessment.

By awarding the highest two grades to 65% of civil servants — five points out of five means outstanding, four points exceeds the required standard — management has created a situation that is utterly implausible. That impression is strengthened by the fact that just 1% were given either of the two lowest grades.

Thankfully, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform accepts that current arrangements are not working and must be replaced.

If this was just about money it would be bad enough but questionable practices like these greatly discredit our public service and destroy faith in our ability, or commitment, to manage our affairs honestly. Those who would confront them deserve all our support.