NI Executive begins major public administration review

The long-promised Review of Public Administration has been given the go-ahead to start in the spring.

The review, which one official described as the biggest since "the MacRory Review of the early 70s", could spell the end to many of the north's 26 councils. The Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) is now considering radical proposals for the shake-up of grass roots government and the future of the north's five education boards and four health boards will also be under consideration.

The OFMDFM began the process by inviting consultation through a letter addressed to the assembly, stating: "Among the important issues which will be addressed by the Review will be the structure, accountability and responsibilities of local government, Non-Departmental Public Bodies and Next Steps Agencies."

The office emphatically stated that the review would not affect the institutions established by the agreement and the division of functions between the executive departments – including the North/South Ministerial Councils. The main areas of concern will include democratic accountability, cross-community, equality and human rights and the scope of the public sector.

The OFMDFM also pledged to conduct the review "in an open and transparent way" with widespread opportunity to comment on specific elements of the system of public administration under examination.

Sinn Fein chief whip Alex Maskey criticised the progress of the review and claimed that movement now was a response to Sinn Fein pressure.

He said: "This lack of progress is unacceptable. Without doubt there is a political dead hand being applied to this review. The delay in the review of public administration is preventing vital organisation in departments, and the review of local governments."

Mr Maskey also hit out at the proliferation of quangos that had made the decision-making process expensive and time-consuming he claimed.

The executive has gone into overdrive recently in highlighting its Programme for Government and forming part of that is the Review of Public Administration which is pencilled in for the completion in spring.

The views of assembly members will be sought on these issues by the end of February 2002.

(GMcG)