Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 132: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the precise functions of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8712/11]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 133: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which he and the Department of Foreign Affairs share responsibilities. [8713/11]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 134: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide the division of responsibilities between his Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs. [8714/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 to 134, inclusive, together.

I can inform the Deputy that my Department has a broad range of policy and executive functions in relation to Justice and Equality. These include, at present:

Supporting An Garda Síochána and Tackling Crime - including community security, law enhancement and crime prevention through support for An Garda Síochána.

Developing Justice Services including the maintenance of safe and secure custody for offenders through support for the Prison Service; management of the Courts and supporting the Judiciary; the provision of Probation Services and Youth Justice Services; and the provision of Property Registration Services.

Provision of Immigration and Related Services.

Promotion of a Caring, Integrated and Equitable Society through developing policies and supporting programmes which address issues of equality, discrimination, diversity and integration.

Promotion of a Secure and Peaceful Society through putting in place appropriate policies and measures to ensure that the security of the State is guaranteed; supporting the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland and co-operating on matters of mutual interest in the field of criminal justice.

Law Reform - advancing the Government's legislative programme, keeping legislation under review and providing for improved regulatory systems where required.

Further details concerning my Department's responsibilities are set out clearly in the Department's Statement of Strategy which is available on the Department's website at www.justice.ie, and which indicates some of the many policy areas in which there is on-going interaction with numerous Departments, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Issues concerning immigration and Northern Ireland are but two examples of policy areas in which my Department interacts with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Finally, the Deputy might wish to note that my Department is required, pursuant to the Public Services Management Act 1997, to prepare a new Statement of Strategy and present this to me within six months of my taking office i.e. by 8 September 2011. A new Mission Statement for the Department will be developed in this process.