Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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192. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the policy regarding the need for note taking when Ministers and-or Ministers of State meet business and other leaders; the way in which this policy is outlined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46496/18]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I can inform the Deputy that it would be normal practice for a Department official to accompany the Minister and or Minister of State at meetings with business and other leaders.

My Department's Records Management Guidelines set out the arrangements for filing records of meetings in my Department. These inform efficient record keeping, which supports the Department’s business needs and compliance with the relevant legislation.

The Records Management Guidelines provide that all formal meetings should be properly documented or minuted. In relation to informal meetings, the Guidelines provide that Officers should briefly document significant informal meetings and telephone conversations in cases where this demonstrates the rationale behind decisions, or to record when significant policy or administrative decisions are being relayed, or to note a request or an approval.