I propose to take Questions Nos. 135 and 136 together.
My Department operates at the heart of Government and, therefore, is involved in the key policy priorities of the Government of the day. The last Government published a series of progress reports on the implementation of its programme.
The strategic objectives of my Department are set out in the Department's strategy statement. The Department's key overall strategic objectives remain constant, that is, supporting the Taoiseach and Government of the day. These strategic objectives are primarily reflected in the Department's work on the following key national priorities: Northern Ireland; European Union and international affairs; economic and social policy; social partnership; public service modernisation and the information society and e-government. The work in these areas is supported by a further strategic priority of corporate support services.
The Department employs a range of mechanisms and indicators in order to measure performance and progress against objectives, as set out in the strategy statement. It has produced annual progress reports since 1998 outlining progress made against the key priorities identified in the strategy statement. It has also contributed to progress reports which have been published on a wide range of cross-Departmental initiatives in which my Department has participated.