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

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

The Government has been working to implement the commitments in the Programme for Government which are advanced through the co-ordinating mechanisms of the cabinet committee structure. The ten cabinet committees established by the Government reflect the core policy areas set out in the programme for Government. The strategy statements of all Departments reflect the national priorities outlined in the programme for Government. The Department of the Taoiseach is continuing to help to advance the programme for Government commitments in the following significant policy areas: the implementation of the Housing for All strategy, including additional initiatives as necessary to advance crucial housing related commitments; the implementation of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021, the publication of the Climate Action Plan 2023; the introduction of Ireland's forestry strategy; progressing on-shore and off-shore renewable electricity support scheme auctions; the publication of a national hydrogen strategy; the launch of the Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, strategic plan with climate assistance for farmers; the implementation of the carbon budget programme and agreement on sectoral emission ceilings; advancements in Sláintecare, improving access, outcome and affordability for patients, while increasing the capacity and effectiveness of the workforce infrastructure and provision of patient care; oversight of the implementation of the third domestic, sexual and gender-based violence strategy; advancing the Government's commitments on the Shared Island initiative. The Department is also ensuring the implementation of New Decade, New Approach commitments, working with relevant Departments North and South to advance the goals of strengthening British-Irish relations including with the London Government and devolved Governments in Wales and Scotland. It is engaging with EU leaders to advance high-level objectives in the programme for Government, especially economic and competitiveness issues, energy security, external relations with the UK and continuing the strong collective EU response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The Department is also advancing the programme through pursuing our international commitments, including strengthening our relationship with the United States and implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals; oversight of the implementation of A Policing Service for the Future, the Government's plan to implement the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland through the policing reform implementation programme office of the Department; the development of a well-being framework for Ireland and its integration into the policymaking and budgetary systems; the publication of Harnessing Digital: The Digital Ireland Framework in February 2022 and its first progress report in December; progressing four citizens' assemblies, one each on a Dublin directly-elected mayor and local government structures, biodiversity, drug use and the future of education; and the establishment of a child poverty and well-being programme office to progress commitments identified in the programme for Government that will have the greatest impact on the lives of children experiencing poverty and those of their parents and households.

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