Departmental Priorities.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 October 2004

Wednesday, 20 October 2004

Questions (118)

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

218 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the priorities of his Department following the recent Cabinet changes; the programme being followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25716/04]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

The Department's priorities remain as set out in the programme for Government, the strategy statement of the Department of Foreign Affairs 2003-05 and the commitments in Sustaining Progress.

I am in discussion with senior officials in my Department about priorities for the period ahead. In this regard also, the Public Service Management Act 1997 requires Departments to produce a new strategy statement within six months of the appointment of a new Minister. My Department will begin the preparation of this statement for the period 2005 to 2007 at an early date.