Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:24. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the statement of strategy of his Department. [27636/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDepartmental Strategies
Ceisteanna (24)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department's new Statement of Strategy, published earlier this year, reflects the role of the Department to support me as Taoiseach and the Government to develop a sustainable economy and a successful society, to pursue Ireland’s interests abroad, to implement the Government’s Programme, and to build a better future for Ireland and all her citizens.
The Statement of Strategy outlines the context and challenges ahead in pursuing this goal and is reflected in the six strategic priorities for the period ahead:
- Support for me as Taoiseach and the Government;
- Securing our Future - Tackling COVID-19, Brexit, Climate Action;
- Restoring the Economy including a focus on housing;
- Building a Better Society;
- Strengthening Ireland’s place in Europe and the World; and
- Building Consensus on a Shared Island - North-South and East-West.
The system of Cabinet Committees has already been restructured to reflect these priorities to ensure Government policy is well-harmonised and responsive. The Statement of Strategy has been developed with particular reference to the immediate challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit but my Department will continue to be responsive to new and emerging challenges in the future.
Questions Nos. 25 to 29, inclusive, resubmitted.
Cabinet Committees
Ceisteanna (30)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Ceist:30. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Education last met, and when it will next meet. [27951/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Cabinet Committee on Education oversees implementation of the Programme for Government commitments in the area of Education, including preparing for post-Covid Education. This Cabinet Committee last met on 13 May and will meet again shortly.
Questions Nos. 31 to 38, inclusive, resubmitted.
Departmental Policies
Ceisteanna (39)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:39. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the progress to date by his Department in its development of a well-being framework for Ireland. [28068/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The development of new measures of well-being and progress was a commitment in the Programme for Government, in recognition that in order to achieve a well-rounded policy-making system there is a pressing need to move beyond uniquely economic measures.
In early February, the Government agreed to an approach to developing an overarching Well-being Framework for Ireland utilising the OECD Well-being Framework as a starting point and building on national work already undertaken in this area.
Work on the development of the Well-Being Framework is being led by my Department, and the Departments of Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform. A Working Group chaired by my Department and involving a broad range of Government departments, the Central Statistics Office, and the National Economic and Social Council is also supporting this work.
The development of the Framework is being further enhanced by consultation and broader engagement. The National Economic and Social Council (NESC) is leading this process through a subgroup of stakeholders and experts for this purpose.
The development of the Framework will be an iterative process and evolve over time. An initial report is intended to be submitted to Government shortly.
Question No. 40 resubmitted.