AQW 11803/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 13/05/2024
Answered On Date: 29/05/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister (i) for their assessment of whether the current structures of government are conducive to an outcome-based accountability policy approach; and (ii) to detail any plans they have to review government structures.

Answer:

An outcomes-based approach is a useful tool for developing and monitoring policy. Work done over recent years in this department with regards measuring progress in an outcomes-based way has been valuable and we intend to bring this forward.

Within the existing structures of government, there is room for Ministers and departments to adopt the tools which are most useful for their various business areas and functions.

We do want to ensure delivery of the Executive’s priorities and have asked for proposals for a delivery-style unit that would sit at the centre and work with all Ministers to provide strategic advice to the Executive as a whole.