Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Taoiseach for his reply. The current Department of the Taoiseach strategy statement was only published in February. The Taoiseach indicated the areas which are encompassed by it. What I would like to know now is what changes, in general terms, he intends to bring about in advance of the publication of the formal document.

The Taoiseach has indicated a number of changes that he wants to bring about in the Government. He has moved responsibility for Brexit to the Minister and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and he has also appointed an additional super junior Minister. Yesterday, the Taoiseach said that he has reduced the number of Cabinet committees and that he wants a special focus on health. In regard to the revised strategy statement, does the Taoiseach intend to retain the six strategic priorities identified by his predecessor, including planning for the future, Brexit, strong relationships with Europe and the world, a better society, a sustainable economy and support the Taoiseach and Government? Does the Taoiseach intend to broaden those priorities and will there be a particular strategic focus on health?

The Taoiseach also mentioned the need for investment in infrastructure. Will there be a particular emphasis on infrastructure in the new strategy statement? In terms of the structure of Government, a considerable amount of time has passed since I wrote to the Taoiseach on the issue of the remuneration packages for the Ministers of State who attend at Cabinet. Has the Taoiseach received advice from the Attorney General on that matter - it is not complicated - and what is his intention in that regard?

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