Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2 to 4, inclusive, together.

My advisers are not prevented from attending meetings of any interdepartmental groups. My special advisers may attend Cabinet committee meetings in an advisory capacity when required to do so and with my prior approval. Attendance by special advisers is kept to the minimum consistent with the efficient functioning of the committees concerned.

Other than Cabinet committees, the following interdepartmental groups are chaired and supported by my Department, namely, the senior officials' group on social policy, the senior officials' group on health and the senior officials' group on climate change and the green economy. In respect of the economy, my Department chairs and supports the senior officials' group on labour market issues, the senior officials' group on economic recovery and jobs and the senior officials' group on economic infrastructure.

As for European Union co-ordination committees, the senior officials' group on European affairs is chaired by the second Secretary General in my Department with responsibility for European Union co-ordination. The interdepartmental co-ordinating committee on European affairs is chaired by the Minister of State for European affairs and the interdepartmental committee co-ordinating the Presidency is also chaired by that Minister of State.

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