Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Jun 2002

Vol. 553 No. 2

Written Answers. - Departmental Strategy Statements.

John Bruton

Question:

113 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has reviewed her Department's strategy statement for 2001-2003 prepared for the previous Government; and if she proposes to make alterations to it in view of her own personal priorities and the contents of the new Programme for Government. [13463/02]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

In my capacity as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment under the previous Government, I kept my Department's strategy statement under regular review. Progress in implementing it was reflected in my Department's annual reports, the most recent of which was published in May. I intend to continue this process of regular review.

The Public Service Management Act, 1997, provides that a new strategy statement should be prepared no later than six months following the appointment of a new Minister. I intend for my Department to produce a new strategy statement within the period specified in the Act. The new statement will take into account progress made under the current strategy statement, devel opments in the overall socio-economic environment and the specific priorities set out in the Agreed Programme for Government.