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18/07/2006
Hain calls for cutback in government departments
Secretary of State Peter Hain has called for a cut in the number of government departments in Northern Ireland in order to promote what he called “the effective governance” of the province.
Speaking about the need for Northern Ireland to become “world class” in terms of public policy, Mr Hain stated: "Following implementation of the review of public administration, a number of departments will simply be unsustainable in their current form.”
The Minister went on to outline how the Department of the Environment could see some of its functions transferred to local authorities or to a new environmental agency, while the responsibility for water will be taken from the Department for Regional Development and given over to a new government-owned company. Councils will take over responsibility for local roads.
The Minister said that he would like to see the assembly reach agreement on the changes, but warned that if parties do not come to a consensus on the issue by the end of November, he will instigate the cutbacks.
Mr Hain added: "Every department is being examined. There are no sacred cows. Nothing is ruled out."
(CL)
Speaking about the need for Northern Ireland to become “world class” in terms of public policy, Mr Hain stated: "Following implementation of the review of public administration, a number of departments will simply be unsustainable in their current form.”
The Minister went on to outline how the Department of the Environment could see some of its functions transferred to local authorities or to a new environmental agency, while the responsibility for water will be taken from the Department for Regional Development and given over to a new government-owned company. Councils will take over responsibility for local roads.
The Minister said that he would like to see the assembly reach agreement on the changes, but warned that if parties do not come to a consensus on the issue by the end of November, he will instigate the cutbacks.
Mr Hain added: "Every department is being examined. There are no sacred cows. Nothing is ruled out."
(CL)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy morning with patchy rain clearing away to the north. Direr, brighter weather following with spells of warm sunshine this afternoon and also a few light showers. Maximum temperature 18 °C.Tonight:It will be a mostly dry night with clear periods. Some patches of mist and fog will form towards dawn. Light winds. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
