Politics

Civil servants ‘sidelined’ by ministers on policymaking

OECD report finds officials feel under pressure to fast-track policies and warns of ‘retirement cliff’ in civil service

Civil servants told the OECD that their advice ‘was not accorded the weight’ it should be given by ministers

Civil servants have complained that they are being sidelined by ministers and are being put under increasing pressure to fast-track policies without proper analysis, a new report has revealed.

The government officials have also complained that the public has too much influence on policy through consultation processes.

A comprehensive review of policymaking in Ireland by the OECD, the Paris-based group, also warned that a “retirement cliff” is imminent in the Irish civil service, which ...