Peter Hain is poised to slash the number of Government departments from 11
to six, a leaked high-level document has revealed.
The Northern Ireland Office blueprint obtained by the Belfast Telegraph
envisages the shake-up being implemented by next year - if the current push
to restore devolution fails.
The Government document, drawn up by a special adviser to the Secretary of
State, predicts that "significant" savings could be achieved from
the proposed reform.
It also criticises the effectiveness of the current set-up on key policy
objectives such as countering poverty.
Among the departments which would lose their individual identity under the
leaked blueprint are Agriculture, Environment, Finance and Personnel and
Employment and Learning.
A trade union leader today expressed fears about possible job losses from
the plans, while the Ulster Farmers' Union criticised the absence of a
separate Department of Agriculture.
UFU President Kenneth Sharkey said: "Agriculture and food still
represent Northern Ireland's biggest industry. There are over 50,000 people
working on farms here and almost 20,000 working in the food industry.
"We would argue strongly that the industry needs a separate department.
"
John Corey, general secretary of public sector union Nipsa, said: "We
would expect the fullest consultation with trade unions on any plans to
change the number of government departments. We would also be very concerned
about the job implications."
Government departments here were increased from six to 11 in 1999, to ensure
there were enough Ministerial posts to share between the Assembly parties.
Hi: 17°C / Lw: 11°C
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