Vol. 553 No. 7
288 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has reviewed the strategy statement for his Department for 2001-04 prepared for the previous Government; and if he proposes to make alterations to it in view of his own personal priorities or the contents of the new programme for Government. [15299/02]
The Deputy will be aware that the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs is a new Department that will carry out functions previously held by five different Departments. The Deputy will also be aware that section 4 of the Public Service Management Act, 1997, requires that the Secretary General of each Department submit a statement of strategy to the Minister of the Department within six months of their appointment. The process of preparing a draft statement of strategy for the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs covering the years 2002-05 has already commenced. This will take due account of the new programme for Government. I look forward to receiving this document for my consideration and approval.
