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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION, SPORT AND CULTURE BY DEPUTY R.G. LE HÉRISSIER OF ST. SAVIOUR
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 3rd FEBRUARY 2009
Question
Given the Minister's oft repeated calls for public service cutbacks and efficiencies, what steps, if any, is he proposing to bring about greater efficiencies within the Education, Sport and Culture Department?
Answer
As a past member of the Public Accounts Committee, the Deputy will be well aware that my efforts and that of the PAC and the Comptroller and Auditor General have been focused on identifying the full cost of services provided and improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of all States expenditure.
I am pleased to say that, as a result, improvements have been made and a major step forward will be the States accounts becoming fully GAAP compliant.
In the report entitled Emerging Issues, the Comptroller and Auditor General identified a number of savings which could be realised across the whole of the States, including Education Sport and Culture. I intend to explore whether any of these savings are realistically achievable, desirable and acceptable.
As the Minister of Education Sport and Culture I will continue to promote improved accountability and efficiency throughout my department whilst at the same time identifying the need for additional funding if required.
I have already identified areas where funding issues have not been addressed or understated and as a consequence, require immediate attention, if the department is to avoid having to reduce current services. One such area is Culture.
In order to encourage greater efficiency throughout my department I aim to:
• Maintain the department's focus on delivering services in a cost effective manner;
• Work with all partners to identify the full cost of services provided and where necessary highlight the need for additional resources;
• Ensure that all improvements in financial management identified by the Internal Audit Division and the States external auditors are implemented;
• Encourage greater dialogue with members of the States and the public on what services are required in order to meet the expectations of those supported by the department;
• Maximise the use of all facilities administered by the department.