The Department of Finance is seeking a 10% fall in sick leave by the end of next year as well as the elimination of outdated leave entitlements as part of its implementation plan for the Croke Park Agreement.
At a meeting between department officials and union leaders from the civil service and State agency sectors, the department presented a draft document outlining the reforms it intends to introduce.
The reforms encompass changes in staff management, increased use of online facilities and shared services, streamlined procurement procedures and a programme of administrative simplification.
On the staffing side, there will continue to be a focus on reducing staff numbers in the civil service, which have already fallen from 39,200 to 37,400.
In addition, standardised terms and conditions across the public service will be introduced.
For example, in future, deductions for a day's absence will be standardised at one fifth of weekly pay.
At present, there are different arrangements for different grades - with some only having a seventh of weekly pay deducted per absent day.
The 30 minutes per fortnight which is still allowed for cashing a paycheque will be eliminated from next month.
It is understood that many staff still avail of this entitlement - despite being paid electronically.
In addition a revised policy on office closure and attendance at holiday periods - which encompasses privilege day entitlements - will be issued this February.
The rapid introduction of redeployment with effect from 2010 is viewed as crucial to facilitate the planned rationalisation of State agencies.
A programme of rationalisation of State properties and offices is also set to get underway before the end of the year.
There will also be improved mechanisms for performance management, and more open recruitment to the public service.
Highly placed sources stressed that today's document is a draft which could be affected by further resource restrictions imposed in the Budget.
They said that might have to be reflected in further drafts of the action plan.
