Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 8, inclusive, together.

The Cabinet committee on social affairs and public services, which oversees the implementation of programme for Government commitments in the areas of social policy and public services, was re-established when new Cabinet committees were put in place following the appointment of the new Government in April. The committee last met on 20 November and will next meet on 4 July. It covers a range of topics, with a particular focus on equality and public service reform. Other topics covered by it include sport, social protection, arts and culture, and justice issues such as policing reform, community safety and domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. The corresponding committee met on six occasions last year. Among other matters, the committee discussed the proposed referendums on gender equality and implementation of the third domestic, sexual and gender-based violence strategy.

In addition to attending 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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