Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I have not. The new post is being established to support the operation of two new mechanisms at the centre of government to enhance co-operation, effectiveness and co-ordination in the critical areas of economic management and EU co-ordination. That is the purpose of the Second Secretary General post. This post will have responsibility for the Government economic management council, about which he or she will report to the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and he or she will co-ordinate support for him in his engagement with Government issues, including Cabinet committee structures. The Second Secretary General will also have responsibility for EU co-ordination in which he or she will report, as appropriate, to me and the Tánaiste. He or she will be a member of the management advisory committee of the Department of the Taoiseach, reporting to the Secretary General of the Department.

Expressions of interest have been received in respect of this post and no decision has been taken beyond that yet. That is a separate process from the filling of the position for the Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach and Secretary to the Government. That process has not begun in earnest yet.

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