The government has unveiled a reform of the civil service that will include measures that makes it easier to sack poorly performing workers.

The three-year plan will manage the service as a unified entity, rather than the current practice of 16 separate government departments.

In the first 200 days, a new accountability board will be established chaired by the Taoiseach Enda Kenny, a performance review for secretaries-general will take place and recruitment will begin for the first time since before the economic crisis.

Bonus or performance related pay arrangements are ruled out for the 36,000 staff, as is a recommendation for the appointment of a head of the civil service.

Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Brendan Howlin says underperformance will be dealt with.

While Taoiseach Enda Kenny says the plan is "another important milestone."