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

I propose to take Questions Nos 1 to 13, inclusive, together.

The Cabinet committee on social affairs and public services oversees implementation of programme for Government commitments in the areas of social policy and public services. The committee covers a range of topics, including immigration and integration, with a particular focus on equality and public service reform. Other topics covered by the committee include sport, social protection, arts and culture, justice issues such as policing reform, community safety, and domestic sexual and gender-based violence.

The committee has met on six occasions this year to discuss the proposed referendums and has considered detailed policy papers prepared by the inter-departmental group and incorporating extensive legal advice provided by the Office of the Attorney General.

The Cabinet committee on social affairs and public services last met on 20 November and will continue to meet in the period ahead. In addition to meetings of the Cabinet committee, I have regular engagements with Ministers at Cabinet and individually to discuss issues relating to their Departments.

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