Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 5, inclusive, together.

Individual commitments in the programme for Government are advanced through the co-ordinating mechanisms of the Cabinet committee structure. The ten Cabinet committees established by this Government reflect the full range of policy areas that are set out in the programme for Government.

Cabinet committees meet regularly to accomplish and advance their work. The strategy statements of all Government Departments reflect the national priorities outlined in the programme for Government. The Department of the Taoiseach is continuing to help advance the programme for Government commitments in the following significant policy areas: implementation of the Housing for All strategy, including additional initiatives as necessary, to advance crucial housing-related commitments; continued engagement at European Union and international level on the situation in the Middle East, including by calling for an immediate ceasefire in both Gaza and between Israel and Hezbollah, the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza and for a surge in unhindered humanitarian access to the people of Gaza and Lebanon, as well as insisting on full observance of international law by all parties; increased funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, UNRWA; and working to build consensus at a European Union level to take a more proactive approach in assisting a negotiated two-state solution and lasting peace process. On 28 May, Ireland formally recognised the State of Palestine. The Government took this decision in co-ordination with Spain and Norway to support the two-state solution. It fulfils our commitment under the programme for Government.

We are working on engagement with EU leaders to advance high-level objectives in the programme for Government, in particular, economic and competitiveness issues; energy security; external relations, including with the UK; as well as continuing our strong, collective EU response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

It also includes pursuing our international commitments, including strengthening our relationship with the United States and implementing the UN sustainable development goals; advancing the Government's commitments on shared island; ensuring implementation of the New Decade, New Approach commitments, working with the relevant Departments North and South in advancing these goals; strengthening the British-Irish bilateral relationship, including with London and the devolved governments in Wales and Scotland; and implementing the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 and the Government's climate action plan.

The programme also includes advancements in Sláintecare, such as improving access, outcomes and affordability for patients by increasing the capacity and effectiveness of the workforce infrastructure and provision of patient care and supporting the development of the next national disability strategy that will set out a blueprint for the future realisation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We will provide the necessary framework for whole-of-government action on disability over the coming years.

There will be oversight of implementation of the third domestic sexual and gender-based violence strategy, along with the development of a well-being framework for Ireland and driving its whole-of-government integration in policymaking and budgetary systems. We will see the implementation of harnessing digital, the digital Ireland framework published in February 2022, on progressing our wider digital agenda. The programme included the establishment of a child poverty and well-being programme office in the Department of the Taoiseach to progress commitments identified in the programme for Government that will have the greatest impact on the lives of children who experience poverty. The programme also includes establishing and progressing the work of our citizens' assemblies.

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