Departmental Meetings

Wednesday, 17 April 2024

Questions (165)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

165. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1360 of 9 April 2024, to clarify his Department's definition of an "informal" meeting; to outline the difference between a "formal" and "informal" meeting when engaging with lobbyists; if any records are kept of such "informal" meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16965/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

In general, formal meetings have a structured agenda and an official minute taker. An informal meeting is generally less structured, and no minute is taken.

In many instances informal meetings are introductory in nature and no decisions or commitments are made. They often result in more formal follow up correspondence as occurred in this instance.