Annex IV. Joint Monitoring Matrix
Socio-Economic
BENCHMARKS
INDICATIVE ACTIONS NEEDED
SWG, AND KEY IRAQI AGENCIES
1. Establish and operationalize a single petroleum account
· By 2008, require in all contracts with buyers of petroleum and petroleum products, contractors and operators, including IOC’s to: a) deposit all payments due to Iraqi entities in the Petroleum Account; and b) deliver all oil due to Iraqi entities to SOMO or any successor state marketing organization (Priority Action)
· By 2008, eliminate any exports outside the established DFI and successor Single Account (Priority Action)
· By 2008 or at any time before the expiration of DFI, set up a single petroleum account to deposit all revenues related to petroleum operations due to government(s) (Priority Action)
· By 2008 streamline the process, clarify the mandates and improve accounting between the various institutions managing oil revenues, SOMO, MoF, CBI, FRBNY, CrBI and the Ministries and the KRG
PRM WG, MoO incl. producing departments and SOMO MoF, CBI, CrBI, BSA
2. Establish and implement mechanisms to ensure transparency of petroleum sector flows
· By 2007, endorse EITI Principles and commence consultation on implementation (Priority Action)
o By early 2007, deliver EITI workshops involving the MoO, MoF, MoPDC, and CoR.
· By end 2007, install, fix and regulate oil flow meters at all oil production and distribution facilities (Priority Action)
· By end 2007, provide copies of all oil sale contracts to the MoF and CrBI within 15 days of signing the contract
· By end 2007, report volumes sold and payments received for oil sales to the MoF and the CrBI within 30 days of each transaction (Priority Action)
· By 2007, follow up on the recommendations from the audits of DFI and CBI (Priority Action)
· By 2008, publish quarterly on a website maintained by the MoF & MoO detailed reports on:
o Oil Production including: a) refined products and residual fuel oil, (b) Exports including quantities, prices and revenues (c) All other oil related payments to Iraqi entities including taxes, royalties, fees, leases, and any other revenues related to petroleum activities and (d) the status of the DFI audited by an independent internationally recognized audit firm
o By 2007, require in all future contracts with buyers of petroleum and petroleum products, contractors and operators, including IOC’s to submit information on all payment (or deliveries of crude petroleum) to Iraqi entities in relation to petroleum operations to the MoF/CBI. Annually reconcile this data with government figures using an internationally recognized independent auditor and publish the report on the MoF/MoO website
· By 2008, improve monitoring, accounting and reporting standards at state owned hydrocarbon entities
· By end 2009, begin audits of all state entities operating in the hydrocarbon sector by recognized international firms within a year of the close of financial year; disclose the results of these audits to the MoF and other relevant ministries within 30 days of completion of audits
PRM WG, MoO incl. producing departments MoF, CBI, CrBI, BSA, CoR, MoPDC
3. Establish and implement a petroleum revenue sharing framework
· By 2007 develop a framework for the sharing of the benefits of oil, integrated into the budget process and consistent with the constitution (Priority Action). Such framework must be:
o Transparent and equitable;
o Financially sustainable financing at all levels of government;
o Mindful of legacies of the past and differences in levels of development;
o Properly compensating the producing regions and governorates;
o Supported by appropriate organization structures; and
o Consistent with appropriate accounting and administrative systems.
PRM WG, CoR, MoO incl. producing departments and MoF
USG, UK, WG – AAA,
1. Effective functioning of an enhanced sector-wide and cross-cutting consultation and coordination framework
· During 2007, operationalize an enhanced sector-wide and cross-cutting consultation and coordination framework. In operationalizing the framework the priority will be on: i) improving convention infrastructure within the green and red zones and regions as well as externally; ii) building secretariat capacity,; iii) separation of strategic, technical and approval functions of committees; iv) formalizing GoI, Development Partner (DP) and joint GoI and DP committee structures; and v) clarifying delegation authorities. (Priority Actions)
· During 2007, undertake and complete a functional review of the MoPDC and MoF (Priority Action)
PRM WG, PM office, Cabinet decision, MOF, MoPDC
1. Develop and implement legislation and build institutions to improve Public Financial Management
· By end 2007, complete and publish a Public Expenditure and Institution Assessment (PEIA) to evaluate the quality of budget management, including the process of setting spending priorities and establish and implement a PFM reform and a comprehensive GPM capacity building strategy (Priority Action)
· By end 2008, assign primary responsibility for all aspects of budget management to the MoF and clarify the role of other agencies (Priority Action)
· By 2009, undertake a comprehensive Public Expenditure Review (following the Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) PFM Performance Measurement Framework) of PFM systems, procedures and legislation to identify strengths, weaknesses and forward action plans
PRM WG, PM office, Cabinet decision, MOF, MoPDC
2. Achieve an integrated and comprehensive budget and increase strategic content
· By end 2008, capture in the budget all significant revenues and expenditures, including all subsidies and donor flows (Priority Action)
o By mid 2007, procedures implemented for the regular and timely provision of development partner aid flows to the MoPDC (Priority Action)
· By 2008, monetize domestic deliveries of crude oil and fuel to refineries and power stations to reflect the full economic costs of these transfers (Priority Action)
· By end 2009, integrate the recurrent and investment budgets and establish a Treasury Single Account (TSA) (Priority Action)
· By end 2009, apply a realistic medium-term policy-based perspective to planning and managing the public finances
PRM WG, MoF (BD, AD), MoPDC, Cabinet decision
3. Establish and implement procedures and regulations to improve budget reliability and accountability
· In 2007, implement a budget classification system based on the IMF's Government Finance Statistics (GFS) and UN's Classification of Functions of Government (COFOG) (Priority Action)
· By end 2007, improve the timeliness, accuracy and transparency of in-year fiscal reporting (Priority Action)
o By mid-2007, undertake and mainstream a mid-year budget review and inform the CoR of the results. If appropriations need to change by +/-5% in aggregate or at the ministry level, a revised 2007 budget appropriation bill will be submitted to the CoR by Aug 2007.
· By end 2008, implement the major components of the Financial Management Information System (FMIS) (Priority Action)
o During 2007, the current manual accounting system to run in parallel with the FMIS
o By mid-2007, connect all provincial treasuries and priority sites;
o By end 2008, Accounting framework to be documented and implemented
o Prior to the application of further FMIS modules (e.g. payroll and budget preparation modules), establish detailed user specification requirements
· By 2008, carry out and publish regular international standard audits of government finances including public procurement audit
· By end 2008, strengthen oversight capacity of the Council of Representatives (CoR) and Board of Supreme Audit (BSA) through a prioritized and sequenced capacity development program
PRM WG, MoF (BD, AD), MoPDC, BSA, CoR
4. Undertake specific measures to improve budget execution and effectiveness. Achieve over 90% budget execution
· By end 2007, based on a PFM capacity building strategy, initiate a comprehensive training program to build the administrative capacity at all junctures of PFM at national and sub-national levels (Priority Action)
· By 2008 remove administrative bottlenecks, to enhance capacity for procurement and capital project contracting, and to invest in projects of significance as may be fiscally sustained over the medium term (Priority Action)
· By 2008 execute 90% of 2007 recurrent and investment budgets (Priority Action)
PRM WG, MoF (BD, AD), MoPDC
1. Pass and implement legislation and regulations build and operationalise institutions for public procurement
· By end 2007, draft a new public procurement law, regulations, and standard national competitive bidding documents consistent with good international practice including latest WTO agreements (Priority Action)
· By 2008, enact the law and supporting regulations and the standard bidding documents (Priority Action)
· By end 2008, establish the new the public procurement system based on the law
· By end 2008, begin regular audits for compliance with the new public procurement law and regulations
· By 2009 use e-Procurement for most public sector transactions
PRM WG, MoPDC, Cabinet decision, CoR, BSA new procurement agency (to be established), inter-ministerial procurement working group, anti-corruption bodies
2. Build capacity to comply with the new framework for public procurement
· By end 2007, develop and deliver standard accredited training programs on public procurement for the public servants and private sector (Priority Action)
PRM WG, MoPDC, new procurement agency (to be est.)
1. Increase transparency of allocations
· By end 2007, move to consistent rule based allocations for transfers to regions and governorates (Priority Action)
· By end 2007, publish both in-kind and cash transfers allocated to the regions and governorates in the budget and the allocation criteria as part of the documentation for the budget (Priority Action)
PRM WG, MoF
2. Set criteria for budget requests
· By end 2007, in consultation with governorates and Provincial Councils set clear guidelines for budget requests for investment and recurrent expenditure from provincial Councils (Priority Action)
MoF, MoPDC
3. Decide on and implement oversight process for transfers
· By mid 2007, establish unit that is responsible for monitoring and evaluating intergovernmental transfers (Priority Action)
· By 2008, in consultation with regional authorities and Provincial Councils lay out process including timelines and reporting authority for transfers made to regions and provinces (Priority Action)
MoF
4. Clarify expenditure assignment
· By mid 2007, specify which level of government is specifically responsible for each expenditure in a way that ensures, efficiency, equity and transparency and is consistent with the constitution (Priority Action)
· By mid 2007, identify expenditures with regional spill-over effects (Priority Action)
· By end 2008, provide conditional grants to regions and provinces to cover the above expenditures
MoF. MoPDC in consultation with provinces and regions
5. Clearly delineate sectoral roles and responsibilities
· By end 2007, review of consistency between sectoral and PFM laws and intergovernmental legislation regarding roles and responsibilities of local governments (Priority Action)
MoF to take lead
6. Establish clear taxation powers for each level of government
· By end 2007, review of taxation and customs policy procedures, with the aim to provide sustainable method of raising resources for GoI and promoting growth and private sector development (Priority Action)
· By end 2008, either as part of the Constitutional Review process or as separate legislation, the Parliament should clarify taxation authority in a way that ensures, efficiency, predictability and national fiscal integrity
CoR, MoF (TD, CD)
7. Clearly identify own source revenues for each level of government
· By end 2008, conduct assessment of revenues that can potentially serve as productive revenues for regions and provinces (these should include revenues dependent on relatively immobile tax base e.g., real estate)
MoF in consultation with provinces and regions
8. Identify fiscal capacity
· By 2008, set up transfer system based on the fiscal capacity of the regions and governorates (Priority Action)
MoF, local Councils
9. Streamline criteria for disbursement of resources
· By end 2008, decide and set out criteria for disbursement of resources to regions and governorates using new legislation, if required (Priority Action)
MoF, MoPDC
1. Adopt and carry out policies to stimulate civil society engagement in reforms
· During 2007, conduct training to educating policy makers, administrative and law enforcement personnel as well as the public about the rights of civil society and the role it can play in promoting citizens' legitimate concerns, mitigating social conflict and monitoring the government’s actions (Priority Action)
· By 2007, adopt a law on NGO’s and non-profit associations which guarantees their political and economic independence (including the freedom to cooperate, receive funding from and be affiliated to foreign partners), facilitates their establishment and minimizes bureaucratic obstacles (Priority Action)
· By 2008, introduce regulations to ensure an appropriate advisory and consultative role for civil society in legislative, administrative and policy making processes
CoR, ODPM, MoPDC
2. Adopt and implement comprehensive transparency policies and legislation
· By 2008, strengthen and implement the public income and asset disclosure law (Priority Action)
· By 2008, pass freedom of information legislation and policies on public disclosure mandatory for public officials and institutions
· By 2008, pass media law to guarantee and protect the rights of media, watchdogs and other information sharing institutions
MoJ, MoF, MoLSA, MoTele, ODPM
1. Implement specific measures to strengthen the judiciary
· By end 2007 separate the High Judicial Council from the Ministry of Justice (Priority Action)
· By end 2007, provide sufficient security to reduce significantly fatalities and injuries of judges and investigators (Priority Action)
MoJ, PM office, BSA, CPI, and IGs
2. Adopt and implement legislation, regulations and procedures and strengthening legal and institutional framework for anti-corruption
· By end 2007, strengthen the effectiveness of Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG) chaired by the Prime Minister by developing guidelines and procedures for transparent and streamlined inter-agency cooperation (Priority Action)
· By end 2007, begin to disclose promptly and transparently to Parliament and to the Public the instances where the Government has prevented cases of corruption being brought to court (Priority Action)
o By end 2007, Parliament to be notified of instances where Article 136 of the Law of Civil Procedure is invoked
· By end 2007, anticorruption action plans developed for institutions with substantial revenue and expenditure assignments (Priority Action). Action plans to include the following:
o Improving transparency of procurement
o Enhancing public disclosure
o Systematizing complaints handling mechanisms
o Strengthening internal audit
o Strengthening financial management and control and reduce risks of collusion and fraud
o Improving ethical standards
o Increasing civil society involvement in project/program implementation
· By end 2007, review and harmonize legislation to work towards compliance of UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), including the application for the principle of 'de minimus' to minimize the abuse of anti-corruption legislation (Priority Action)
· By 2007, strengthen audit capacities at ministries and the Board of Supreme Audit (see also 4.1.2) (Priority Action)
· By 2008, review the mandate of the inspectors general and the commission on public integrity to ensure their working as independent, professional and non-political bodies (Priority Action)
· By end of 2008, develop a comprehensive system of internal and external controls within government, including conflict of interest policies, audit and evaluation
· By end 2008, complete a master plan for the anti-corruption agencies, developing Task Forces for high-risk institutions
· By end 2008, Iraq will ratify and implement the UNCAC, and other relevant international agreements
PM office, BSA, CPI, and IGs, anti-corruption agencies
Relevant agencies vetted by ACWG
3. Begin recovering ill gotten assets
· By 2007, introduce legislation as necessary to authorize asset seizure and forfeiture (Priority Action)
· By end 2008, create a unit to pursue asset recovery in Iraq and abroad and the extradition of individuals wanted for corruption (Priority Action)
Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG)
4. Carry out public awareness campaigns on anticorruption
· By end 2008, undertake a public awareness campaign on the seriousness of corruption and the urgency of the need to fight corruption (Priority Action)
· By end 2008, develop an education-based rule of law program for primary and secondary school aged children in order to create a “culture of lawfulness”
ACWG
1. Adopt and implement policies, legislation, regulations, procedures and build institutions of public service management
· By 2007, develop a blueprint for civil service reform, establishing values, principles and objectives and an overall capacity development strategy (Priority Action)
· During 2007, strengthen capacity of senior management through international partnerships and the National Centre for Consultancy & Management Development (NCCMD) (Priority Action)
· By end 2007, establish a Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) for regulating the affairs of public office, including appointments, promotions and other matters provided for in law (Priority Action)
· By end 2007, establish a unit within the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for overseeing the administrative reform agenda, including issues regarding the size and structure of government and human resource policy (Priority Action)
· By 2008, set up the Federal Public Service Council (FPSC) as per Article 107 of the Constitution to oversee civil service reform and establish merit based employment principles and oversight (Priority Action)
· By 2008, develop and implement an internal and external controls/accountability system, based on agreed values and principles, while strengthening capacity for audit, evaluation and oversight (internal and external) (Priority Action)
· By 2008 develop machinery of government strategy providing guidelines and best practices for the overall shape and operations of government, including the number and mandate of Ministries, explore other institutional arrangements such as departmental corporations, and transition State Owned Enterprises (SoE’s to ensure operational and financial independence
PMO, ODFM, MoF, FCSC, MoPDC, FPSC, NCCMD, SoEs, other ministries
2. Carry out specific actions to improve human resources management practices
· By end 2007, implement a civil service census to support operational headcount management and payroll control (Priority Action)
· By end 2007, finalize policy on the re-introduction of establishment control
· By end 2008, specify the mandates of different agencies and tiers of government in human resource management (Priority Action)
· By 2008, introduce a payroll management system that minimizes the abuse of public funds (Priority Action)
· By end 2008, adopt merit-based hiring and promotion practices (Priority Action)
MoF, MoPDC, FCSC,
1. Phase out universal subsidies (see also 3.1, 4.5 and 4.6.1)
· By end 2007, develop a program for the transition from universal subsidies to targeted benefits which would ensure efficiency and equity and protect the vulnerable (Priority Action)
· By end 2007, formulate coherent domestic pricing policies for fuels and electricity (Priority Action)
· By end 2007, develop a public education and consultation program to ensure public support for subsidy reform (Priority Action)
· By end 2008, analyze effects of fuel subsidy reduction on prices, production and household welfare
· Over 2008-2010, implement public education and consultation program (Priority Action)
· By 2008, discuss with the IMF the possibility of the introduction of a petroleum dividend payment to each family to partially compensate for subsidy reforms
· By end 2009, implement subsidy compensation mechanism along with complementary safety net targeting;
· By 2010, restructure PDS to benefit poorest households, and implement targeting of PDS (see also 4.4.2)
MoF, MOLSA, MoO, MoPDC, SOMO
1. Undertake specific measures to design and implement private sector development policies
· By end 2007, establish an institutional framework to conduct and coordinate private sector development activities (Priority Action)
· By end 2007, implement the recently passed Investment Law (Priority Action)
· Over 2007-2010, develop a clear commercial code with effective enforcement mechanisms
· Over 2007-2010, improve availability of financing to private entrepreneurs, particular to SMEs including credit guarantees, concessionary financing including micro and SME specific packages through both state owned and private banks (Priority Action)
· Over 2007-2010, include provisions for the encouragement of private sector in public procurement legislation and regulations
MIM, MoT, MoPDC,
2. Design and implement policies including legislation and institutions for the Restructuring or SOE’s
· By end 2007, enunciate a clear policy on privatization of SOEs (Priority Action)
· By end 2008, establish the legislative and institutional framework for privatization and initiate privatization for selected SOEs
o By 2008, establish a State Property Fund and transfer state share in all SOE’s to it
MIM, MoT, MoPDC, SoEs,
3. Remove key Private sector development constraints
· By end 2007, initiate a detailed administrative barriers diagnostic at the national and provincial level, which will draw in part from existing USAID and World Bank sources (Priority Action)
o By mid 2008, based on the diagnostic, the Government will identify a series of priority regulatory reforms in the trade, business establishment and operation areas (Priority Action)
o By end 2008, commence implementation of regulatory reforms to improve the ease of starting a business, employing workers, registering property, getting credit, dealing with licenses, trading across borders, closing a business and enforcing contracts with due attention to equality of opportunities
· By end 2007, establish an Iraqi Interstate Commerce provision that prohibits provinces and regions from establishing barriers that inhibit the movement of goods within Iraq
· By 2010, implement recommendations from the national and provincial level diagnostics
MIM, MoT, MoPDC,
1. Undertake specific measure to restructuring State Owned Banks
· By end 2007, conduct an assessment of the role of the four specialized state-owned banks in the banking system and in the economic sectors which they are meant to serve (Priority Action)
· Over 2007-2009, ensure that any financial support from the MOF is conditional on the satisfactory implementation of the restructuring program (Priority Action)
· By end 2009, implement Rafidain and Rasheed restructuring programs (focusing on strategy and business plans, lending policies, risk management, human resources and training, management information systems, internal controls, and information technology)
MOF, CBI
2. Undertake specific measures to promote private banking
· Over 2007-2009, establish and operationalize a nationwide electronic payment system (Priority Action)
· By 2009, adopt a Non-Bank Financial Institution regulation that allows for appropriate supervision and growth of the microfinance industry including the introduction of new financial intermediaries such as credit unions, cooperatives, and microfinance banks; as well as the diversification of product offerings such as savings mobilization, leasing, and insurance
· Over 2007-2010, create an enabling environment for competition and for the growth of private banking, restructuring and consolidation of private banks, and for leveling the playing field in the banking system overall
· Over 2007-2010, facilitate participation of private banks in government payment accounts such as payroll
MOF, CBI
1. Conclude negotiations on outstanding debts and reparations
· By 2007 formulate policy on non-Paris Club debt, reparations, and the remaining 20% of Paris club debt (Priority Action)
· By 2007, start or intensify negotiations on non-Paris Club debt (Priority Action)
MoF, MoFA
2. Ratify signed agreements and treaties, undertake specific measures including legislation to implement ratified treaties. Negotiate and sign new ones.
· Over 2006-2010, enhance relationships with UN, IMF World Bank, GCC, OPEC, Islamic Development Bank, Arab Fund for Development (Priority Action)
· Over 2006-2010, explore bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements consistent with WTO (Priority Action)
· By 2007, sign Trade and Cooperation Agreement with EU (Priority Action)
· By 2008, join the UN Anti-Corruption Convention, Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, MENA-FATF and OECD-MENA (see also 4.1.1.2)
· By 2010, achieve significant progress towards World Trade Organization accession
· By 2010, join UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Kyoto Protocol, the Convention on Biodiversity, the Wetlands Convention and the Convention to Combat Desertification.
MoF, MoPDC, MoFA, MoT, CoR,
3. Prepare negotiate, sign, ratify and implement treaties and agreements
· Over 2006-2010, conduct an analysis of the costs and benefits of membership in various treaties and organizations and best strategies for maximizing benefit from integration (Priority Action)
· Over 2006-2010, pass legislation and establish the institutions necessary to facilitate active participation in international treaties and organizations (Priority Action)
· Over 2006-2010, factor the goals of regional and international integration into economic policy including tax and customs policies, regulations of trade, finance, services, public procurement, quality standards, intellectual property and investment
· By 2008, review the accession to existing International Conventions/Treaties/Protocols: ensure progress on signing/ratifying and reporting obligations
· By 2008, build capacity across Ministries to negotiate and implement international treaties and agreements (Priority Action)
· Over 2008-2010, Iraq will develop mechanisms for working with recognized non-governmental institutions and business organizations (such as Chambers of Commerce) that can help facilitate international integration on favorable terms
MoF, MoFA, MoT, CoR,
1. Design and carry out specific policies including reforms and investments toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals
· By 2011, reform public spending to gradually phase out non-targeted subsidies and redistribute funding for improving access to basic services (see also 4.3.1, 2.6.1/9) (Priority Action)
· By 2008, revise legislation to guarantee equal opportunities to all for employment, social protection, and participation in public life to promote inclusion, with particular support for vulnerable groups such as IDP s, refugees, returnees, widows, orphans and disabled
CoM, MOF, MoLSA
1. Enact and implement policies and operationalize institution aimed at expanding active social protection measures to reduce poverty and to promote inclusion
· By end 2007, based on the outputs of the WB Living Standard Measurement Survey, issue the Poverty Reduction Strategy to combat poverty and social exclusion (Priority Action)
· By end 2007, create an overall country policy and a regulatory framework for the promotion of socio-economic empowerment and maximum self-reliance of the different vulnerable groups (Priority Action)
· By end 2008, micro credit/grant pilot units are to be operational in poor areas and 100,000 projects are to receive micro- financing with the support and the participation of the civil society (see also 4.3.2.1) (Priority Action)
· By 2009, establish Regional Development Agencies under MoPDC to coordinate employment generating local investments and social development programs to encourage growth
Antipoverty Committee (MOLSA, MOPDC, COSIT)
1. Undertake specific measures to promote continuous education for competitive skills and equal opportunities in the labor market
· By end 2008, develop a labor market strategy incorporating labor legislation and targeted active labor market programs.
· By end 2008, analyze the effects on job creation, retention, and cost of the current "on the job training" wage subsidy program;
· By end 2009, based on the above analysis restructure and enhance targeted "on the job training" wage subsidy program with particular focus on unemployed youth, women and dislocated workers.
· By end 2009, expand a reformed vocational training and continuous education system linking supply of skilled workers to private sector demand.
· By end 2009, develop a plan for retraining, compensation and job search for former government employees
MOLSA, MoWA, MoHE,
2. Undertake specific measures to strengthen social partners’ role in expanding employment
· By end 2007, institutionalize social dialogue with social partners (unions, employers’ organizations) to assess labor market needs and promote effective employment generating programs
o By end 2007, establish a Social Dialog Committee under MoLSA coordination (Priority Action)
MoLSA, MoWA, MoHE,
3. Enact and implement legislation to encourage job creation while protecting livelihoods of the labor force, particularly vulnerable groups
· By end 2008, prepare regulatory framework for standardizing payment of wages and salaries along with social insurance arrangements, complemented by enforcement mechanisms, to encourage employment and cross sector migration of labor force
· By end 2008, enact labor legislation that reduces restrictions on new hiring and labor turnover, permitting private sector workforce to move to high-demand areas and to improve match of demand and supply.
MoLSA, MOF
1. Achieve universal access to basic education
· By 2008, improved planning and higher proportion of direct funding for:
o construction of new schools,
o rehabilitation and maintenance of existing schools and
o upgraded equipment for good quality education programs (Priority Action)
· By 2008 mobilize community funds to improve infrastructure and provide transportation to ease access to school in remote areas (Priority Action)
· By 2010, expand feeding programs in schools for primary education students (Priority Action)
· By 2010, expand child allowance conditional upon school attendance for primary school students from low income families included in the Social Safety Net program
· By end 2010, effective and efficient coordination between governance units progressively enabled, planning and service management provided through ensuring:
o Division of roles and responsibilities between the different levels of administration/government clarified
o National/sub- national/regional coordination strengthened
o Good- governance and institutional autonomy promoted
o Capacities built at all levels in the planning, organization and management of the educational system embracing broad and active participation, partnerships and dialogue in decision making
· By 2015, increase education budget to a minimum 5% of GDP (while capping current share for payroll)
Education SWG, MoE, MoHE, MoST, MoYS, MoLSA
2. Carry out specific activities to promote adult literacy and skills training, early childhood development and life skills training
· By 2010, policy framework developed that looks at education holistically (i.e., the learning continuum rather than compartmentalization of the process), ensuring continuity, relevance of curriculum, and quality, and the administrative, legislative and financial institutions to support the process (Priority Action)
o By 2010, expand formal and non-formal education partners and opportunities, skills (re)training that would link to employment opportunities, etc.
o By 2010, establish Department of Non-Formal Education
o By 2010, implement a mechanism that monitors ratification of and compliance with international standards and conventions (e.g. Beijing Platform and its iterations, the MDG s, Education for All, the UN Decade for Literacy, and Early Childhood Development)
· By 2010, by leveraging international support, boost academic exchange and the use of new media to re-integrate Iraq into the international academic community (Priority Action)
· Over 2007-2011, teacher skills upgraded through implementation of a capacity development and training strategy (Priority Action)
· Over 2007-2011, raise standard of higher education by adopting state-of-the-art, demand-oriented curricula, objective examination procedures and merit-based career paths
· Over 2007-2011, provide adequate security to university campuses, academics and students
· Over 2007-2011, develop programmers for further education and placement for academics displaced by violence
Education SWG, MoE, MoHE, MoST, MoYS, MoLSA
1. Undertake specific measures to improve access to the Primary Health Care system (PHC) and focus on prevention and healthy life style
· By 2007, review existing policy, infrastructure and administrative and service delivery environments to (Priority Action):
o promote reproductive health and Maternal and Child Health (MCH); and
o facilitate access to quality obstetric health services, including emergency obstetric care, MCH and Family Planning
· By 2008, establish a policy framework that defines the content of a package of essential health services accessible to all Iraqis regardless of their ability to pay (Priority Action)
· By 2009, ensure continuity and quality of care and include a referral system to secondary and tertiary health services (Priority Action)
· By 2010, establish family health care as the care model that will cover 90% of the needs of the Iraqi family (Priority Action)
· Over 2007-2011, increase resources of the Government health care system to finance the expansion of the scope and coverage of health services so that basic emergency services are available either through hospitals or primary care facilities (Priority Action)
o By 2010, ensure coverage for priority health programs in remote areas, targeting vulnerable group and in carrying out outreached activities, and community mobilization
o By 2010, increase public participation through a health insurance scheme
o By 2015, public spending on health to be a minimum of 4% of GDP to secure access to basic health care for all (while capping current share for payroll) - increased funding to be targeted to support profound reforms in the delivery and financing of health care, and in changing the operation of health services by the MOH (e.g. in procurement of pharmaceuticals, accountability, and incentives)
· Over 2007-2011, facilitate a strategic shift from the current hospital/curative focus to a primary health care centre/preventive focus
· By end 2010, strengthen programs and activities that have a direct measurable impact on the health and nutrition of the people, and prevent any further deterioration of the population’s health and nutritional status, by ensuring access to programs such as:
o Accelerated immunization programs for women and children, control contagious diseases (Diarrhea Diseases, Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI)), address micronutrient (MN) deficiencies (Iodine, Vitamin A, Iron and Folic Acid), Infant and Young Child Feeding Strategy implemented, including Supplementary Feeding programs strengthened for pregnant and lactating women and vulnerable groups.
o These programs to be effectively delivered within the context of family (or primary) health care
Health SWG, MOH
2. Improve administration and emergency management in the health care system
· By 2008, policy framework redefined (within civil service reform) aimed at correcting imbalances in the distribution of health workers and in their skill mix, at tailoring their training, role and contribution to health in the reformed Iraqi health system. In current circumstances the policy framework will address protection of Health Workers from security threats
· By 2011, improve regulation of private-for-profit activity, and moving to strengthen the Iraqi Health system by creating private-public synergies in priority Public Health programs and in HIS (define – Health Insurance Scheme??).
· Over 2007-2011, strengthen institutional capacity (Priority Action):
o Clear definition of the roles and functions of the central government (e.g. MOH vs. MoPDC and MoF) versus those of the provincial/regional administration in promoting and delivering health services (Priority Action);
o Pilot MoH specific civil service reforms (e.g. merit based incentives initiative).
· Over 2007-2011, provide technical and logistical support for PHC system, improve quality and include community outreach programs (Priority Action)
· Over 2007-2011, enhance national capacity and capability to deal with health sector aspect of emergencies and disaster preparedness
· Over 2007-2011, institutionalize of a food safety regime covering: i) health, agro- sector, and industry ii) medical, accessories (blood bags, syringes) and ii) medical use oxygen and include training of manufacturing firms in policies, procedures and TQM
Health SWG, MOH
1. Improve institutional capacity to administer environment and natural resources conservation programs
· By 2007, establish and implement urgent environmental projects in critical areas (Priority Action)
· By 2007, establish and implement urgent environmental projects in critical areas (Priority Action)Over 2007-2008, develop legal and procedural frameworks that regulate the process for ownership of and access to natural resources, their proper use, maintenance and environmental conservation (Priority Action)
· Over 2007-2008, assess environmental conditions at the local administrative levels in order to identify and implement urgently needed clean up projects
· Over 2007-2011, protect water resources from qualitative deterioration and pollution by expanding sanitation drainage and the treatment of waste from industrial and health facilities
MoWR, MIM, MoA, MoEnv, MoHaR, MoMPW
2. Undertake specific measures to ensure universal access to services (watt/san, housing, etc.)
· By end 2007, formulate and adopt National Housing and Land Management Policy and address norms and standards, construction standards, as well as for the land tenure, property rights and use of public lands and holdings (Priority Action)
· By end 2007, MoHaR to operationalize Housing Market Information System at national and sub-national level
· By end 2007, restructure the Iraq Housing Fund and disburse loans to at least 10,000 poor and low income households, particularly supporting vulnerable groups such as IDPs, refugees, stateless, returnees and other disadvantaged social categories
· By end 2007, complete a review of existing laws, policies and programs related to the management of urban solid, biological and hazardous waste and formulate and adopt a National Solid Waste Strategy
· By 2008, establish a plan for granting land plots equipped with infrastructural facilities (roads, water supply, sewerage, electricity) and community facilities (schools, dispensaries, shopping space) and expand access to mortgaged housing loans (Priority Action)
· By 2011, set prices linked to capacity to pay, with a minimum free packet of primary care services for all and additional support for poor and vulnerable while sustaining the strategic direction of the SSN system and what it encompasses
· Over 2007- 2011, support projects that seek to raise efficiency of water resources in agriculture and domestic use, in urban and rural areas
MoWR, MIM, MoA, MoEnv, MoHaR, MoMPW
1. Develop and implement legislation and institutional framework to develop social partnership and access for women to public life and to all of society’s resources
· By 2007, establish the Ministry of Women Affairs as a line ministry (or Women’s Council or Commission linked to the Prime Minister's Office) and allocate an annual budget for supporting specific programs to promote women rights (Priority Action)
· By 2008, develop public education programs to encourage women’s employment and participation in the decision making process in governmental institutions (Priority Action)
· By 2008, formulate or revise the national strategy for the advancement of women in line with the Beijing Platform for action, and establish machinery within the government and civil society for the implementation of the strategy
· By end 2008, revise legislation to ensure non-discriminative access by gender to all fundamental rights, including work, participation in public life, professional association (unions) and politics
· By 20010, increase women’s share in Parliament through specific political training programs and Media support to encourage participation and develop solid men- women partnership for democracy and stability in Iraq
CoR, MoWA/WC, MoHR, MoLSA, OPM, MoCu, CoR
1. Undertake specific measure to strengthen the targeted safety net
· By end 2007, develop a social protection strategy, including a planned phase in of a targeted safety net and associated social services for the poor and vulnerable (Priority Action)
· By end 2007, introduce means tested effective delivery systems relying on efficient coordination mechanisms between national and sub-national levels
· By end 2007, raise coverage to up to one million households and adjust the SSN budget correspondingly
· Over 2007-2010, build the statistics and information management capacity within the MoLSA to develop reliable vulnerability/eligibility criteria
· By end 2008, assess the impact of the cash-based safety net program on coverage, benefit adequacy, and cost (Priority Action)
· By end 2008, analyze targeting options to improve the performance of the safety net
· By end 2009, implement an effective targeting system relying on effective coordination between national and sub-national levels while ensuring high coverage of the poor
MoLSA, MoF, MoPDC (COSIT)
2. Strengthen financial viability of the pension system
· By 2007, obtain Parliamentary approval of amendments to Pension Law 27/2005 and organize the State Pension Fund self- standing administration (Priority Action)
MoF, MoLSA (Pension Steering Group); CoM, CoR
3. Design and implement a reform strategy for the pension system
· By mid 2007 adopt a detailed medium term pension reform strategy (Priority Action)
· Over 2007-2010, implement medium term pension reform strategy and complete administrative capacity improvements to achieve the following: (a) provide adequate and affordable pensions for plan members; (b) be financially sustainable; (c) allow for transparent and equitable redistribution; (d) allow for proper diversification of savings for retirement; (e) minimize economic distortions; and (f) incorporate best practices in terms of management and administration
MoLSA, MoF, MoPDC (COSIT)
4. Undertake specific measures to promote social inclusion of the IDPs, refugees, returnees and other vulnerable groups
· By mid 2007, develop a policy framework that clearly institutionalizes the planning, preparedness, coordination and response of the national power structures to emergencies, both natural and man-made, as well as clearly delineates responsibilities, roles and actions by the various state and non- governmental actors (Priority Action)
· By mid 2007, set in place an early system to trigger contingency planning and mechanism to secure annual budgetary allocations towards the contingency plan and institutional coordination with clear objectives, assignments of responsibilities and authority
· By end 2007, promote social end economic rights of vulnerable groups and host/receiving communities in a comprehensive, participatory and integrated manners
MoHR, MoLSA, MoDM, MoPDC, MoF
1. Pass and implement a Hydrocarbon Law and Fiscal Regime
· By end 2007, clarify the fiscal regime for public and private enterprises in the hydrocarbon sector (Priority Action)
· By 2007 pass Hydrocarbon law to:
o Clarify mandates between the national and sub-national levels
o Develop a national strategy, policy and regulation and build the capacity of the Ministry of Oil in this regard
o Consolidate national infrastructure and marketing
o Restructure and commercialize upstream operators and liberalize the downstream
o Promote foreign investment and private sector development
o Improve monitoring and control including metering at all stages of the cycle
o Liberalize the downstream
o Anchor safeguards fro the protection of the environment throughout the energy cycle including Good Oil Field Practice and a programmed for reduction capture and efficient use of flared gas (Priority Action)
CoM, CoR, KRG, MoO
2. Carry out Investments
· By early 2007, develop and update detailed project execution plans for approved investment projects (Priority Action)
· By 2007, develop individual investment plans including market and investment analysis and robust costing on the basis of integrated energy sector master plan that includes an overarching investment framework that encompasses oil, gas and electricity (Priority Action)
· By 2007, develop financing plans and mechanisms including public and private sources (Priority Action)
· By 2008, prioritize natural gas development in conjunction with Energy Master Plan (Priority Action)
· By end 2010, meet the demand for refined products at world prices (700k bpd)
· By 2010 , increase crude oil output to 3.5 moped
MoO, MoPDC, MoF
3. Undertake specific measures to improve monitoring and execution
· By end 2007, streamline disbursement of allocated investment funds (Priority Action)
· By 2007, adopt and implement legislation to liberalize the import of fuel products (Priority Action)
· During 2007-2008, crack down on illegal siphoning and smuggling of crude oil, intermediate and refined products (Priority Action)
· Over 2007-2010, improve the protection of pipeline and oil facilities (Priority Action)
· By 2010, create conditions to encourage oil service companies to come to Iraq including through streamlining contracting procedure, providing protection and guarantees including with international assistance (Priority Action)
MoO, MoPDC, MoF
1. Pass and implement legislation and undertake measures to align the sector’s institutional and legal framework with good practice
· By end 2007, delineate policy formulation, regulation and operation functions for the sector (Priority Action)
· By end 2008, an appropriate institutional structure will be under implementation.
MoElectricity
5. Make tangible progress towards cost recovery
· By end 2009, introduce cost-efficient tariffs, schemes to protect low-income consumers, and adopt appropriate budgeting, commercial and cost accounting practices
MoElectricity
6. Implement an adequately funded sector rehabilitation strategy
· By end 2007, adopt a plan for least cost development of the power system and a strategy for substituting crude oil with natural gas in power generation (Priority Action)
· By end 2007, develop and begin implementation of a plan to restore existing installed capacity to reliable operation (Priority Action)
· By end 2007, implement modern preventive maintenance programs for increasing reliability and availability of existing facilities (Priority Action)
· By end 2007, implement incentive programs for improved operation of existing facilities (Priority Action)
· By end 2007, establish operating standards and quality inspection programs for new and existing facilities (Priority Action)
· By end 2007, establish capabilities for project management of large capital projects in accordance with international standards (Priority Action)
· By end 2008, identify and adopt optimum organization for electric power system technical management, including required technical expertise
· By 2015, electricity supply from the national grid will be sufficient to meet total demand with a reserve margin of 10%.
MoElectricity MOF, MoPDC
1. Undertake specific measures to rationalize and transition the Public Distribution system to targeting in a way that is integrated with agricultural policies (see also 4.3.1 and 4.4.2)
· By end 2007, analyze the effects of universal food subsidy on price and production levels of principal food crops and design alternative policy measures to remove the negative impact of food subsidy on the food grain market (Priority Action)
· Over 2008 – 2011:
o Implement a phased program of targeted food subsidy synchronized with removal of farm input subsidies
o Shrink PDS budget
o Privatize of the General Company for Grain Processing
MoA
7. Undertake specific measures to liberalize agricultural market
· By 2007, phase out mandatory state procurement of food grains and substitute voluntary procurement for purpose of managing strategic stocks (Priority Action)
· By 2007 withdrawal of all ‘official price’ and domestic movement restrictions on agricultural products
· Over 2007-2009, continue pre-planting announcement of wheat and rice support prices
· By 2008, gap between domestic and CIF grain prices narrowed
MoA
8. Reforming land tenure policy to encourage investment in agriculture
· Over 2007 – 2011, enact and implement new agriculture land holding legislation
· By 2008, reform the land tenure system to give farmers ownership/long term stake in government leased land
MoA
9. Replace market distorting input subsidy with market friendly price subsidy
· Over 2007 – 2010:
o Implement a phased reduction of input subsidy budget and expansion of price support budget
o Effect divestiture of the State Company for Agricultural Supplies (SCAS), State Company for Industrial Crops (SCIC) and State Company for Animal Resources (SCAR)
o 50% by turnover value of state owned or managed processing and distribution companies divested or closed
MoA
10. Increase access to agriculture credit through financial market reforms
· By end 2007, increase financing for micro credit and farmer lending through private banks and NGO’s (Priority Action)
· By end 2007, changes in CBI rules for agricultural credit and lease finance finalised
· By end 2007, strengthen laws and regulation for contracts, credit recovery, non-restraint of trade and competitive behavior, product quality, consumer safety and protection
MoA, CBI, MoT,
11. Undertake specific measures to develop an integrated land and water development policy
· Over 2007 – 2008, production of the National Water Resources Management Plan (Priority Action)
· Over 2008 – 2010, produce Regional Land and Water Use Plans indicating options for increasing efficiency of water use in agriculture and closing the demand-supply gap.
· Over 2008 – 2010, produce alternative cropping models for different regions with optimal returns on investment
· Over 2008 – 2010, protect and rehabilitate unique Iraqi crop varieties and agricultural genetic heritage
MoA, MoWR,
12. Negotiate trans-boundary water agreements with neighboring countries
· Over 2008 – 2010, initiate discussion with Turkey and Syria on sharing of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers’ water
· Over 2008 – 2010, manifest Iraq’s position on water sharing and initiate talks with Turkey and Syria
· Over 2008 – 2010, define Iraq’s position on water sharing with Neighboring Country consistently with the National Water Resources Management Plan (Priority Action)
· Over 2008 – 2010, build the capacity of GoI to deal with management of trans-boundary water resources; and to stand negotiations for International Agreements on Water resource Management
MoFA, MoA, MoWR
13. Improve institutional and regulatory underpinnings of public agriculture
· Over 2008 – 2010, strengthen the technical and management capacity of agricultural organizations (Priority Action)
· By 2008, amend or introduce new legal and regulatory provisions for agriculture markets
· By 2008, review and amend existing laws and regulations relating to agriculture production, processing, marketing, finance, trade, quality standards, environment protection, contracts, etc. according to the needs of the sector.
MoA, MoT, MoWR
14. Carry out Investment Plans
· By 2008, develop individual investment plans including market and investment analysis and costing on the basis of integrated Agriculture and Water master plan (Priority Action)
· By 2008, develop financing plans and mechanisms including public and private sources (Priority Action):
o Rehabilitate damaged physical infrastructure
o Improve delivery of public agricultural services
o Improve the efficiency of agricultural information services
MoA, MoPDC, MoF, MoMPW
