Seán Haughey
Ceist:44. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on EU and International Affairs will next meet. [42589/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraCabinet Committees
Ceisteanna (44)
Freagraí scríofa
The Cabinet Committee on EU and International Affairs oversees implementation of Programme for Government commitments and considers policy matters in relation to the European Union and international issues.
It most recently met on 2 October, when it reflected on attendance and meetings at the United Nations High-Level week in September, and looked ahead to meetings of the European Political Community and of the European Council that took place in Granada on 5/6 October, as well as the meeting of the European Council that will take place in Brussels on 26/27 October.
It is expected that it will next meet again as necessary.
Questions Nos. 45 to 47, inclusive, resubmitted.
Departmental Functions
Ceisteanna (48)
Alan Dillon
Ceist:48. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Taoiseach for an update on the economic policy unit of his Department. [42613/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Economic Policy Unit is part of the Economic Division of the Department. The Unit assists me, as Taoiseach, in achieving sustainable and balanced economic growth and in advancing the Government’s economic priorities.
The Unit also advises me on a broad range of economic policy issues, and provides me with briefing and speech material on economic and related policy matters. It seeks to promote the Government’s economic commitments as outlined in the Programme for Government, especially where these are cross-cutting issues affecting multiple Departments.
In particular, it assists the work of the Cabinet Committee on the Economy and Investment, and several related Senior Officials Groups.
The Unit is also responsible for coordinating Ireland’s participation in the European Semester process, the annual cycle of economic and fiscal policy co-ordination among EU Member States.
This includes preparing each year the National Reform Programme for submission to the European Commission.
The National Reform Programme provides an overview of economic reforms and policy actions under way in Ireland, including in response to country-specific recommendations received.
The Unit is also responsible for liaison with the Central Statistics Office and for the preparation of the National Risk Assessment.
Questions Nos. 49 to 63, inclusive, resubmitted.