Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2017
316. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if a senior official has been given responsibility for Brexit matters in her Department; if so, the grade of the designated official; the funding allocated to the said Brexit unit; the cost to date in 2017; the anticipated cost; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31267/17]
View answerAs I advised the House in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 267 and 268 of 5 April 2017, a Working Group, chaired at Assistant Secretary level and composed of officials from across the Department was established last year to deal with Brexit issues. This Working Group is supported by the Department's Corporate Governance and Coordination Unit which is also responsible for managing those issues relating to Brexit that fall within my Department’s remit.
The Department also has a full time dedicated attaché assigned to Ireland's Permanent Representation in Brussels. This officer is a member of the Department’s Working Group and is also fully involved in the preparations by Ireland’s diplomatic team in Brussels.
These arrangements are being kept under review and will be enhanced as required.
