Labour's Plan for Reforming Politics, Government and the Public Service
Issued : Monday 7 February, 2011
This is the second time in a generation that Ireland has been confronted by a profound economic crisis because of bad, or failed, governance. A change of government and the removal of the incompetent Fianna Fáil administration is only the first step in a process of profound reform and renewal of our state and our systems of governance. We need to put power back in the hands of the Irish people, and make practical changes so that their government, at every level, better serves their interests.
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Summary
This is not a time to commission studies or set up working parties, this is a time for rapid and resolute action. The Constitutional Convention will begin its work this autumn with a mandate to propose changes to the Constitution 12 months later. Labour will combine an ambitious legislative programme with a series of reforms which will see the vast majority of the measures outlined in this policy paper either in place, or well advanced, by the end of 2011.
Reforming Politics: the first steps
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End political cronyism. Labour will start by reserving the right to seek the resignation of all those appointed to state boards from 22 November 2010, the date the Green Party announced their intention to pull out of Government. Under Labour, all positions on state boards will be open to all qualified candidates, and appointments will be subject to scrutiny by Dáil Committees.
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Make good corporate governance a legal condition of being listed on the Irish stock exchange.
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Reduce allowable donations to political parties and candidates to €2,500 and €1,000 respectively, and require all aggregate sums above €1,500 to parties and €600 for individuals to be publicly disclosed.
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Regulate political lobbying, including how soon ex-Ministers and senior civil servants can work as a private lobbyist after leaving public service.
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A Whistleblower's Law to protect those in the public and private sector who expose corruption or misconduct.
Reforming Government: the first steps
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A Constitutional Convention to draw up a new Constitution for Ireland in the 21st century.
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Abolish the Seanad, strengthen the Dáil and make it more independent, with greater powers to hold the Government to account, a longer working day, a longer working week, and fewer holidays.
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Ministers and senior civil servants will be made legally accountable for decisions they take.
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An Independent Fiscal Advisory Council to advise Government on the economic impact of its policy decisions.
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Restore democratic accountability to local government, and devolve more decision-making powers to local communities.
Reforming Public Service: the first steps
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Establish an Office of Public Sector Reform, headed by a Cabinet Minister, for a limited period, to get the job of public service reform done.
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Reduce the number of quangos and duplication of agencies and government departments.
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Make Government departments and agencies accountable for meeting joined-up government objectives.
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Reduce the management layers in the civil and public service, and allow more freedom for managers to manage staff and budgets.
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Government services reconfigured so that users can access, as far as possible, multiple public services through one phone number, one website or one public office.
