My Department is actively involved in the ongoing preparations for Ireland's Presidency of the Council of Ministers of the European Union in 2013, including in relation to events both on the European and wider international stage in the lead up to, and during, the Presidency. To this end, an EU Presidency steering group has been established in my Department, which reports to me on a regular basis. The group is advancing a programme of work to support key EU Presidency objectives, particularly in the heritage and culture areas. Officials from my Department are also actively involved in the inter-Departmental committees established to oversee Presidency preparations.
In particular, my Department will play a significant role in the development and implementation of a Cultural Programme to accompany Ireland's EU Presidency. The Cultural Programme offers an important opportunity to project a strong image of Ireland to audiences within the EU and beyond. It will also provide a platform to engage with people at home concerning Ireland's place in the EU. Funding to support the development of the Cultural Programme will be addressed in the context of the 2012 Revised Estimates. My Department is already engaged with a number of other key Departments and organisations to ensure that effective advance planning is undertaken in developing a multi-stranded programme targeted at audiences, both in Ireland and abroad.
With regard to staff to support Presidency-related work, my Department is currently reviewing what internal reassignments will be necessary to support its increased Presidency responsibilities. In this regard, an application for some limited staff flexibility has been made to the Department of Public Expenditure of Reform, within the parameters set out by Government.
