Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 November 2016
520. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if a Brexit sub-committee has been established in his Department; if so, when the sub-committee was convened; the number of times the sub-committee has met; the number of members on the sub-committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36200/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s Brexit Contingency Framework sets out that all Departments should identify a senior official to oversee Brexit matters and to create a Top Management sub-committee to deal specifically with the implications of Brexit for their areas of work.
My Department nominated an Assistant Secretary to take lead responsibility for Brexit matters. Under the chairmanship of this Assistant Secretary a sub-committee, consisting of Principal Officers representing the various work areas covered by my Department, has been convened.
The sub-committee has met twice, most recently on 15 November. It has 11 members including the Chair reflecting the broad remit of my Department. This sub-committee will continue to meet regularly to ensure that my Department is prepared for the possible implications of Brexit. I would add that I as Minister participate in the Cabinet committee on Brexit and my Department is also represented on the Interdepartmental Brexit Group. This ensures a ‘whole of Government’ approach when dealing with Brexit.
Brexit is a standing item on the Agenda of my Department's Management Board which generally meets weekly and which is chaired by the Secretary General of the Department. It is also on the Agenda of my monthly meetings with the Management Board which examines progress on priority issues being addressed by the Department.
