Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In case there is any misunderstanding, the record will clearly show I said that both Ministers of State are "active and constructive", and not "active or constructive."

They are both hard-working Ministers of State and I very much value their contribution to the Department and the provision of public services.

We may have an opportunity to discuss the matter before the end of the year. The strategy statement is a high-level document and it is important that there are appropriate mechanisms for monitoring and implementation. That will be managed through the annual strategic implementation plan which will be published and will detail the full range of actions to be taken in order to achieve the objectives of the plan.

Progress will be monitored on a monthly basis by the management board. Progress updates will be published regularly on the Department's website and in the annual report. That does not account for the very important engagement I will have with various with various committees of the House, as well as the plenary engagement we are having today.

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