Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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213. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of meetings he has engaged with the CEO and-or equivalent of each State agency under his remit to date in 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38388/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I engage regularly with the heads of agencies and bodies to discuss topical issues as needs arise. Our discussions take place in a range of settings, in particular at events related to my sector. Such meetings would not necessarily be captured in my diary. In the following table, I have listed the meetings recorded in my departmental diary since 1 January 2019. Such meetings include one-to-one sessions, along with conferences and launches specific to that agency/body.

I, along with my colleague, the Minister of State for Justice and Equality David Stanton T.D., host an annual roundtable event bringing together delegates from across the Department and from the agencies and bodies in the justice and equality sector. Participants include senior management from the Department, Chief Executive Officers, Chairs of Boards and senior staff from the agencies/bodies.

This event provides a valuable opportunity to share experiences and consider together new challenges facing the sector. This annual Roundtable is one of the forums developed to encourage interactions, build relationships and inter-agency co-operation and enhance sharing of experience and learning within the justice and equality sector. To date, four such meetings have been held with the most recent taking place on 19 July 2019.

In addition, my officials meet regularly with the heads of agencies/bodies under my remit in accordance with the formal governance arrangements set out for each, keeping me abreast of relevant issues and developments.