Ministerial Responsibilities.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2005

Tuesday, 22 March 2005

Questions (605)

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

603 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if she is responsible for the performance of the functions of her Department in accordance with section 3 of the Public Service Management Act 1997; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9223/05]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

As Minister, I have responsibility for the performance of the functions of my Department in accordance with section 3 of the Public Service Management Act 1997. However, under section 4(1) of the Act, responsibility and accountability may be delegated to the Secretary General or Head of the Department to manage the Department's day-to-day business, to implement and monitor Government policies appropriate to the Department and deliver outputs as determined with the Minister. In addition, under section 7 of the Act, I may give directions in writing to the Secretary General or Head of the Department in connection with the obligations of the Secretary General or Head under sections 4 to 6, inclusive, other than section 4(1)(h).