Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 29 Sep 1999

Vol. 508 No. 1

Written Answers. - Departmental Strategy.

John Bruton

Ceist:

811 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has used section 12 of the Public Service Management Act, 1997, which allows for appropriate action to be taken on cross Departmental issues in a structured way; and the areas of work of his Department which are touching on the work of other Departments in respect of which cross Departmental arrangements might be appropriate. [17370/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin):

I have not to date used section 12 of the Public Service Management Act, 1997.

The nature of the work of my Department is such that a high level of contact, co-operation and collaboration is required with a range of other Departments. The arrangements in place vary in accordance with need. The most significant relate to social inclusion, child care policy and special educational needs. I attach great importance to the need to ensure optimum levels of co-operation and co-ordination in these areas and would not rule out the use of section 12 to facilitate developments in these areas in the future should such a measure be appropriate.