Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 9 together.

The programme for a partnership Government published on 11 May sets out an ambitious programme of work to build a strong economy and to deliver a fair society. Implementing the programme over the lifetime of the Government will involve a range of activity involving all Government Departments. My Department is engaging with all Departments at present to identity individual commitments and determine responsibility for these actions. These will be published in due course by each Department in their respective statements of strategy.

As part of the process, I am meeting with individual Ministers to agree their priorities for the coming year taking into account the actions and ambitions in the programme for a partnership Government. To date, I have met with eight Ministers and I will meet with a further two tomorrow. The programme for a partnership Government sets out a new and collaborative approach in doing business not only including the partners of Government, but the Oireachtas and wider society.

There are many challenges ahead, including areas such as housing and homelessness, education and health, broadband and rural development. The Government is committed to tackling these challenges head on to ensure that we build a society where the recovery is felt by every individual and family around the country. The programme for Government office in my Department will monitor the implementation of the programme and report to me and to the Cabinet on progress across all Government Departments. An annual report will be published after the first year outlining progress made.

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