Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 8, inclusive, together.

My Department's strategy statement sets out the key objectives for my Department for the period 2011 to 2014. The focus of my Department is to ensure that Government policy is progressed across the whole of Government and it has one key programme which is to support the Taoiseach and the Government. The strategy statement is aligned to the Government's key priorities and policies, and sets out eight long-term goals as follows: tackling the economic crisis, with a particular focus on jobs and growth; ensuring Ireland plays a full and effective role in all aspects of the European Union; overseeing the full implementation of the programme for Government; providing excellent support services for the Taoiseach and Government; helping to reform and restore trust in the institutions of the State and in Ireland’s reputation at home and abroad by learning lessons from the past; helping to renew and transform the public service; helping to ensure that Government policies and services support a socially inclusive and fair society; and helping to maintain peace and to further enhance relationships on the island of Ireland and between Ireland and Britain.

It also identifies horizontal action areas in support of these goals, including policy capacity, implementation, communications, strategic thinking, working with others and changing the culture and rebuilding trust.

The strategy statement reflects the significant restructuring of the Department following the election of the new Government in 2011, including the establishment of the Economic Management Council, a new Cabinet committee structure, a programme for Government office, an office of the Tánaiste, a new integrated European affairs division and the transfer of staff and functions relating to public service reform to the new Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

Earlier this year my Department carried out a skills and qualifications survey of staff working in the Department and prepared a new human resources strategy to ensure that it is well placed to support me and the Government as we tackle the challenges facing the country. The Department's policy capacity has also been enhanced through the secondment of staff with relevant skills from the National Economic and Social Council and Forfás, as well as the recruitment of a number of staff as part of the new Government economic and evaluation service. The Department has also recruited some staff on a temporary basis for the EU Presidency.

My Department supports me and the Government in making progress on the goals in the strategy statement in a number of ways, including through providing secretariat for meetings of the Government, the Economic Management Council and Cabinet committees, chairing senior officials groups, supporting me in my role as a member of the European Council and the work of the programme for Government office. As regards monitoring of the action plan for jobs, my Department and the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation co-chair a committee which monitors the progress made by Departments and agencies on completing the actions outlined in the plan. This committee reports to the Cabinet committee for economic recovery and jobs.

In addition, my Department co-ordinates the preparation of Ireland's national reform programme, NRP, and related progress reports under the Europe 2020 strategy, incorporating reporting from Ministers and Departments with responsibility for targets and measures in their respective areas. In keeping with previous years, and the road map for the European Semester 2013, the date for NRP submissions is set for mid-April and my Department is commencing arrangements for the preparation of Ireland's update. This will allow for an update to be provided on the implementation of the policies identified to deliver on each of the five targets under Europe 2020.

All of the work I have outlined seeks to deliver a whole-of-Government response to the challenges facing the country, including critical priorities such as economic growth and job creation. Progress is reviewed on a regular basis by my Department's management advisory committee and by senior management in each division. The Secretary General holds a quarterly meeting with all staff at which progress across all aspects of the strategy statement is reviewed. Progress reports on key policy areas are also considered by the Government and/or the relevant Cabinet committee on a regular basis. My Department's annual report for 2012 will give an overview of progress on all aspects of the strategy statement.

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