Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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189. To ask the Taoiseach the level of foresight or future planning that operates within his Department; who is responsible for long-term planning; and the input these individuals or teams have into Departmental policy and practice. [61670/25]

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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My Department supports meetings of the Government and the associated system of Cabinet Committees and Senior Officials Groups which underpin the preparation of whole of government strategies, which typically take a medium to long term perspective on policy issues.

My department also coordinates the National Risk Assessment, which sets out the strategic economic, geopolitical, societal, environmental, and technological risks facing Ireland over the short, medium and long term.

The Central Statistics Office and the National Economic and Social Council, both of which operate under the aegis of the Department, regularly publish reports that set out short, medium and long term analyses and forecasts relating to social, economic and environmental issues.

Finally, my department also maintains and regularly updates its own Statement of Strategy and Corporate Risk Register, which take a medium term perspective on risks and opportunities facing the Department. These foresight and future planning activities are led by the relevant senior officials, with input from staff across the department, as appropriate.