Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 8 together.

The economic division of my Department supports the Taoiseach and the Government in developing and implementing economic policy aimed at sustainable economic growth and development.

It has a particular focus on jobs, competitiveness, trade and investment, tourism and the economic impacts of Brexit, as well as other international developments. It is also responsible for housing matters and for economic infrastructure.

It supports the work of four Cabinet committees and related senior officials groups, seeking to maximise the effectiveness of their work. These are the Cabinet committees on economy, trade and jobs; housing; infrastructure, the environment and climate action; and regional and rural affairs.

It supports implementation of the Government’s Action Plans for Jobs, Housing and Homelessness, and Rural Development, and co-ordinates Ireland’s participation in the European semester process. Preparation of the national reform programme and the national risk assessment are also undertaken.

The division acts as my Department's liaison point with the Central Statistics Office, CSO, on certain administrative functions, and provides support, as required, to the Minister of State, Deputy Regina Doherty, who has been delegated responsibility for the CSO.

The division plays a role in supporting the Government in its approach to long-term challenges as set out in the programme for Government and in the delivery of key infrastructure including housing, broadband, transport, energy and water. The division works with relevant Departments to oversee Ireland's transition to a low-carbon economy.

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