Suggested Parameters to inform those conducting the review

• What services are provided, by whom, how and where?
• Which functions/services should be delivered by the public sector?
• Which should not be delivered by the public sector?

• Are there some services where the inter-connection with other key public services is essential?
• How can we best facilitate the inter-connection between key public services?

• Should powers/functions currently with public bodies be transferred to local or central government?
• Should functions be transferred between other layers of government?
• Which services should be delivered at the regional level and which at sub-regional?
• How many layers are required?

• Where should points of contact with the public be located?
• What is the scope for the re-alignment of boundaries for services delivered at the regional/sub-regional level?
• What does the customer expect in terms of quality of service and can this be balanced against cost effectiveness?

• How are New TSN and section 75 implications to be taken into account?
• How impact assessments are to be carried out?
• What are the options for/ implications of decentralising public sector jobs?
• How can service delivery be effectively rural proofed?
• What actions need to be taken to ensure equity of access to services?

• Who should/can be held accountable for different services?
• What should be the role of elected representatives in the delivery of services at local level?
• What is the role of Next Steps Agencies?
• What is the future role of non-elected people who can bring expertise and experience to the delivery of particular services?
• What should be the relationship between local government and the new institutions established under the Belfast Agreement (particularly the relationship with the Assembly/the Executive/central government/ cross-border implementation bodies/the Civic Forum)?
• Are there services which should be delivered outside the sphere of influence of elected representatives?
• What should be the role of the community/voluntary sector and social partnership in the way government operates?
• Should non-elected boards have a scrutiny role to ensure the responsiveness of elected bodies, hold them accountable and ensure party politics does not adversely influence the delivery of services?
• What redress is there for individuals?

• What are the ongoing reviews of various aspects of the public sector?
• What level of performance and value for money of the various bodies in meeting their business objectives has been achieved?
• What is best practice in terms of existing co-operation and partnership between different levels of administration and between different organisations, e.g. between councils?
• What mechanisms are there/should there be to ensure equality and mutual respect in public sector administration and service delivery?

• What lessons can be drawn from systems of public administration in other jurisdictions?
• What scope is there for modernising government (e.g. one-stop shops, greater use of IT and advances in telecommunications)?
• Is the public sector equipped to adapt to future innovations?

• How is the future performance of the public sector to be assessed?

• What are the legal implications of /legislation needed to implement proposed changes?

• Are there any financial implications, including possible costs and the scope for efficiency; or improving the methods of calculating rates/levies?

• Are there practical areas for co-operation on the island of Ireland or with other regions of these islands?
• Are there useful lessons to be learnt from the organisation of public administration on these islands?