Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 May 2004
65 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the composition of the Management Advisory Committee of his Department; the number of times it has met since its formation; the number of times he has attended it in person; and the issues it has considered. [15126/04]
View answerThe Management Advisory Committee, MAC, which has been meeting since the early 1990s, comprises the Secretary General, the second secretary, the deputy and assistant secretaries and the head of corporate affairs. The personnel officer also attends MAC meetings. The role of the MAC is to advise the Secretary General on matters relating to the effective discharge of his functions and the efficient running of the Department.
The MAC generally meets once a fortnight. Its agenda includes a programme of business planning reviews, where heads of divisions report on progress in implementing their business objectives; monthly reviews of expenditure trends; consideration of various proposals to progress the Department's modernisation agenda; as well as consideration of operational matters relating to the effective running of the Department.
As the Deputy will be aware, it has not been the practice for the Taoiseach to attend MAC meetings, given their nature and focus. However, the Secretary General briefs me on all pertinent matters discussed at MAC and I personally approve all significant developments, such as the Department's strategy statement, annual report and customer charter, as well as prioritising business objectives. I am fully satisfied with the current arrangements to consult me and keep me appraised of these developments affecting the management of my Department.
The business of my Department is heavily based on interaction with other Departments and Ministers through the weekly meetings of Government, the work of Cabinet committees and the conduct of negotiations with key interests, domestically and internationally. I am in daily contact with the members of the Department's MAC on these issues and so am in a position to set the priorities and evaluate progress on a continuing basis.
