LISTEN: Finance minister calls for culture change within government with publication of report on how RHI recommendations are implemented

By Q Radio News

Finance Minister Conor Murphy has today published a report which sets out how the recommendations of the RHI Inquiry are being implemented by the Executive.

The report is based on key themes identified in the Inquiry’s findings and recommendations.

The key themes cover a range of issues including the work of Ministers and special advisers, good governance and records management, the development of professional skills within the Civil Service and resourcing.

Speaking after the report was agreed at the Executive, the Minister said: “The RHI Inquiry highlighted a range of failings within the system of governance and made 44 recommendations for change.

Conor Murphy speaking to Q Radio

"The Executive accepted these recommendations in full and is today setting out how it is taking forward those recommendations.

"A substantial amount of work has been carried out to date including the revision of Codes of Conduct for Ministers and Special advisers, the development of the People Strategy to build the capacity and capability of the Civil Service and the establishment of a project delivery profession to improve the management of complex projects within the Civil Service.”

Minister Murphy continued: “While significant change is underway, improving governance will be a continuous process.

"It’s also important to acknowledge that changing policies won’t in itself fully address the flaws that gave rise to the RHI scheme. There also needs to be a change of culture within government and that requires leadership from Ministers, Senior Civil Servants and Special Advisers.”

The Department of Finance is working with the Audit Office, which is monitoring implementation of the recommendations at the request of the Inquiry.