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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2 to 9, inclusive, together.

The economic division in the Department develops and implements policy to promote sustainable economic development in areas such as job creation, housing, climate action, digital issues and wellbeing. This work is particularly focused on ensuring a co-ordinated approach to implementing the programme for Government and issues that cut across multiple Departments. The division supports the work of the Cabinet committees on the economy and investment, housing and environment and climate change, as well as associated senior officials groups and other cross-departmental structures.

The senior officials group on digital issues was established in 2021 to ensure an all-of-government approach to our digital transformation. It oversees implementation of Harnessing Digital - The Digital Ireland Framework, published in February 2022. A progress report published in December highlighted achievements during 2022. The group meets on a regular basis. It last met on 3 May and will meet again next month.

The economic division also maintains an overview of progress in important policy and sectoral areas in line with Government priorities, leads Ireland's participation at the annual European semester process, prepares the annual national risk assessment, leads development of Ireland's well-being framework, liaises with the Central Statistics Office and provides me with briefing and speech material on economic and related policy issues

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