Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 November 2004
132 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when he last reviewed his Department’s statement of strategy; the conclusions which were reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28125/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's statement of strategy, Promoting a Caring Society, covers the period 2003 to 2005. The Department's goals as outlined in the strategy reflect the evolving role of the Department, from providing for the income support needs of customers to assisting them in accessing employment where appropriate, addressing the underlying causes of poverty and social exclusion, and supporting families.
The Department's annual reports detail the progress achieved over each year in implementing the strategy. The most recent annual report for 2003 is the first such on the implementation of the current strategy and provides a detailed account of developments. I am arranging for a copy to be sent to the Deputy.
Following my appointment as Minister, and in accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Management Act 1997, a new strategy statement is required to be put in place within six months of the date of my appointment. This will build and develop on the considerable progress which has already been achieved to date but will also provide an opportunity to re-examine the Department's existing objectives, outputs and related actions. Account will be taken in preparing the new strategy of the relevant commitments in the programme for Government, the Department's commitments under its modernisation action plan under Sustaining Progress, the customer action plan 2004-2007 and customer charter, and the Department's internal customer service plan.
