Vol. 480 No. 6
35 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report to Dáil Éireann on the implementation of his Department's strategic plan; if an independent review of this implementation has taken place; and if he has satisfied himself that the strategic plan is being implemented efficiently. [14604/97]
A strategy statement was published by the Department of Foreign Affairs last March. A detailed review of its implementation will be carried out in preparation for the next strategy statement which must be published by 1 March 1998 in accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Management Act, 1997.
What independent review of the strategic plan has taken place to ensure the objectives set in it are being met, that the Minister can be satisfied the parts of the plan which are not being met will be addressed in the readjustment of this strategy in March and that consideration can be given to dealing with whatever shortcomings there are in the existing strategy?
There has been a change of Government and consequently a change in strategy in particular areas. For example, I envisage greater emphasis on the United Nations in view of our intention to seek membership of the Security Council in the year 2000. I also expect the Government's commitment to growth in our overseas aid project to be reflected in the new statement and to be in a position to spell out our approach to the European Union in more detail in light of the outcome of the Amsterdam summit and the Commission's proposals. We will also look at the financial aspects of it because it affects any strategic target changes and financial operations. On the financial side, we want to see we are managing our resources as effectively as possible. The Deputy may be assured the plan will be reviewed. As far as an independent review is concerned, it will not be reviewed in that sense but will be reviewed in the context of the change in Government and its new priorities.
Perhaps "independent" was not the word I had in mind but that the Minister would, through an audit process or procedure, satisfy himself that the strategic plan is being implemented efficiently. While the Secretary General in the Department has overall responsibility for the administrative area, is there a designated official in the Department whose job is to ensure the strategic plan is kept under constant review and is implemented efficiently?
There is a designated official responsible for every area of the Department. The Deputy may be assured that I will take a personal interest in the strategic plan and its review, as outlined in the Deputy's question. The key issue is the change in priorities because of the change in Government.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
