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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together. The economic division in my Department supports me and the Government in developing and implementing policy to deliver sustainable and regionally balanced economic growth and quality jobs, and to promote effective planning and delivery of infrastructural developments, including housing. The Cabinet committees and senior officials groups, supported by the division, help to deliver and implement policies in these areas. Cabinet Committee A deals with issues relating to the economy, jobs, the labour market, competitiveness, the digital economy, trade, the action plan on rural development and pensions. It last met on 18 January and will next meet on 11 June.

Cabinet Committee D covers infrastructure investment and delivery, housing and climate action and provides political oversight in relation to Project Ireland 2040. The committee last met on 1 February and its next meeting is not yet scheduled. The division also monitors implementation of the Action Plan for Jobs, leads Ireland's participation in the annual European semester process and prepares the annual national risk assessment which provides an opportunity to identify and consider potential economic risks and challenges on a structured basis. The draft of this was approved at Cabinet on Tuesday and will now go out to consultation over the next four month period. Cabinet Committee D is also responsible for liaison with the Central Statistics Office, CSO. It co-ordinated the recent completion and publication of the national policy statement on the bioeconomy and works with the EU division of my Department on the possible economic impacts of Brexit.

A unit within the economic division also supports the Minister of State with responsibility for data protection, Deputy Pat Breen, and contributes to a whole-of-Government approach to the challenges and opportunities arising from the increased digitisation of modern life. The division is also leading work that recently commenced on a framework for a new national digital strategy. The division also provides me with briefing and speech material on economic and related policy issues. Given its role, the division works closely with colleagues in the Departments of Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, and in other Departments, which have lead responsibility in specific policy areas.

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