Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 5, 6 and 7 together.

A Programme for a Partnership Government, published in May 2016, sets out the agreement between the parties and Deputies who are participating in, or supporting, the Government.

Independent Deputies brought their own vision and ideas to that programme, to how our country should be governed and how we need to deal with the myriad challenges we face. I believe that this partnership Government will continue to give us an opportunity to mobilise the many talents around the table in achieving the best outcomes for our citizens.

The impact of this input is tangible. Over the past year, the Independent Deputies have led on important policy issues such as medical cards for people in receipt of domiciliary care allowance to child care, judicial reform and broadband.

My recent meetings with the Deputies focussed on a range of commitments within the existing programme which the Government remains firmly committed to implementing over its lifetime. As you know I outlined some of my priorities when I presented my Cabinet to the Oireachtas last week.

The programme for Government annual report was published on 10 May last and sets out the progress made on more than 300 commitments across all of Government over its first 12 months.

The report provides a comprehensive update on the progress of the commitments and highlights very specific plans which have been put in place to address in the short and longer term key areas of housing, homelessness, education, rural and regional development, job creation, broadband, agriculture and climate change.

The report also highlights the ambition and steps to improve services for families, children, people with disabilities and mental health problems and older people including key reforms necessary in the health and justice sectors.

Significant work has also been undertaken in advance of and following the UK's referendum on EU membership to ensure an effective whole-of-government approach to the Brexit negotiations that takes full account of the Government's negotiating priorities.

The Government will continue to implement its programme, striking a balance between addressing urgent priorities and engaging in long-term planning so that lasting solutions are implemented to secure a strong economy and a fair society.

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