Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 23 Mar 1995

Vol. 451 No. 1

Written Answers. - Programme Managers.

Máire Geoghegan-Quinn

Ceist:

20 Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn asked the Minister for Social Welfare the role, functions, powers and job descriptions of all programme managers appointed to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4190/95]

Michael Woods

Ceist:

47 Dr. Woods asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of programme managers who have been appointed to his Department; and the number of these appointees who are women. [4312/95]

Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 47 together.

The programme manager system, which provides for the appointment of one programme manager to each member of Government, plays a key strategic role in implementing the commitments set out in the programme for renewal. The function of the programme manager in my Department, in common with that of other programme managers, is to assist in managing and co-ordinating the achievement of the Government's objectives as outlined in the Programme. I have recently appointed a man as my programme manager. He is a career civil servant with extensive experience of economic and social policy issues. Prior to his appointment he served as Deputy Secretary-General of the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation. I believe that his appointment complements the existing range of skills and experience among the programme managers. I have also appointed a woman. Ms Rosheen Callender, who has extensive expertise in social policy as a special adviser.