My Department's previous Statement of Strategy covered the period 2008-2010. Under the Public Service Management Act 1997 Departments are required to produce a new Statement of Strategy every three years and within six months of the appointment of a new Minister and, accordingly, my Department prepared a draft Statement of Strategy following my appointment as Minister for Health in 2011. Following preparation of a draft, consultations with the Department of the Taoiseach were necessary and publication of all Departmental Strategy Statements followed the finalisation of the 2012 Annual Review of the Programme for Government.