The Department's priorities remain as set out in the programme for Government, the strategy statement of the Department of Foreign Affairs 2003-05 and the commitments in Sustaining Progress.
I am in discussion with senior officials in my Department about priorities for the period ahead. In this regard also, the Public Service Management Act 1997 requires Departments to produce a new strategy statement within six months of the appointment of a new Minister. My Department will begin the preparation of this statement for the period 2005 to 2007 at an early date.