John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 336: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the role and responsibilities of each of his Ministers of State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38289/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Responsibility for Irish foreign policy lies in the first instance with the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Particular responsibility for policy on Overseas Development Assistance is assigned to the Minister of State for Overseas Development at my Department, Mr Peter Power, T.D.

Minister Power oversees the Development Cooperation Directorate, a Division of my Department, which is responsible for administering the Irish Aid programme. It also has a coordinating role in relation to Overseas Development Assistance administered by other Government Departments.

Mr. Dick Roche, T.D., is Minister of State at my Department and at the Department of the Taoiseach with special responsibility for European Affairs.

Minister Roche chairs an Interdepartmental Coordinating Committee on European Union Affairs, which covers the full range of issues on the EU agenda. In addition, Minister Roche is active in meeting with his European Affairs Ministerial counterparts regarding the Lisbon Treaty.

Minister Roche attends meetings of the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council as required. He also regularly represents Ireland at meetings and conferences hosted by international organisations.