Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, together.

The primary role of the social policy unit is to support and advise me on social policy matters. Through facilitating a "whole of Government" approach it seeks to add value to social policy considerations and actions by promoting coordination and cohesion across sectoral policies and strategies. This is pursued particularly through the management of the work of the various Cabinet committees and senior officials groups across a range of social policy issues such as social inclusion, labour market, health and disability.

In addition, the social policy unit represents my Department and actively contributes to several interdepartmental groups covering a range of social policy matters including the national women's strategy, positive aging strategy, national drugs strategy and Travellers. The unit maintains ongoing liaison with Departments and contacts with stakeholder interests such as the community and voluntary pillar of social partnership. In addition, the work of the steering group on active citizenship is supported from within the social policy unit.

The unit is also involved on an ongoing basis with a wide spectrum of activity covering social policy matters, including the preparation of briefings for me on proposals in Government memorandums, for meetings and correspondence as well as the range of administrative responsibilities relevant to Government offices.

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