Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• Update on the whole-of-Government response to COVID-19;
• Preparations for a meeting of the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF) Protocol Group later today;
• Brexit Matters;
• Staffing issues; and
• Given the public health measures currently in place, staff should continue to work from home unless necessary to attend the workplace.
——
Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer
Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• The Department’s priorities for the year ahead;
• Update on the whole-of-Government response to COVID-19;
• Brexit Matters;
• Successful commemoration ceremony to mark the 100th anniversary of the handover of Dublin Castle and expressed appreciation to all those involved;
• The Department’s Annual Business Planning process to be completed by 28th January in advance of the 2022 PMDS cycle;
• Preparations for the Taoiseach's appearance before the Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach on 9th February 2022;
• Annual obligations under the Ethics in Public Office Acts; and
• Given the public health measures currently in place, staff should continue to work from home unless necessary to attend the workplace.
——
Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer
Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.
Apologies: Dermot Woods.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• Update on the whole-of-Government response to COVID-19;
• Preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Housing later today;
• Preparations for a meeting of the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF) Protocol Group later today;
• Brexit Matters;
• Climate Action; and
• The Department’s end December 2021 Vote Position.
MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:
• Noted that the current vacancy at Assistant Secretary will be filled later this year, following the appointment of a new Secretary General;
• Staff assignments; and
• Plans for a staggered and phased return of Departmental staff to the workplace to be managed in consultation with Principal Officers in light of the recent Government announcement.
——
Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer
Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• Economic Matters, including inflationary pressures and preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Investment later this week;
• Social Dialogue, including update from last week’s meeting of the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF);
• Update on COVID-19;
• Northern Ireland, including update from the Taoiseach’s visit to Derry last week where he participated in a ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday;
• Update on Brexit;
• Preparations for the Taoiseach’s international engagements over coming weeks, including the One Ocean Summit in Brest later this week;
• The Department’s Civil Service Employee Engagement Survey 2020 Action Plan finalised;
• Preparations for the Taoiseach's appearance before the Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach this week; and
• Secretary General meeting with staff via videoconference on Thursday 10th February 2022 at 11am.
MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:
• Staff assignments;
• Update on the staggered and phased return of Departmental staff to the workplace.
——
Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer
Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• Developments in Ukraine;
• Economic Matters, including inflationary pressures and update from last week’s meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Investment;
• Health and COVID-19;
• Update from the Taoiseach’s participation in the One Ocean Summit in Brest last week;
• Preparations for the Taoiseach’s attendance at the European Union-African Union Summit later this week; and
• The Department’s end January 2022 Vote Position.
MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:
• Update on the staggered and phased return of Departmental staff to the workplace.
——
Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer
Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• Developments in Ukraine;
• Preparations for the Taoiseach’s visit to Berlin this week to meet with German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz;
• COVID-19, including preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on COVID-19 next week;
• Update on the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland;
• Economic Matters, including preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Environment and Climate Change later today;
• Northern Ireland, including preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Brexit and Northern Ireland later this week;
• Brexit; and
• The Department’s Children First Act 2015 Annual Compliance Report.
MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:
• Staff assignments;
• Internal competition for Private Secretary to the Government Chief Whip underway; and
• Update on the staggered and phased return of Departmental staff to the workplace.
——
Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer
Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• Developments in Ukraine;
• EU matters, including recent EU restrictive measures against Russia;
• Related issues including economic and social matters; and
• Dedicated Ministerial meeting planned for Thursday.
——
Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer
Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• Developments in Ukraine;
• Related issues including economic and humanitarian matters;
• EU matters, including preparations for today’s meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Europe and for the forthcoming European Council meeting;
• Preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Social Affairs and Equality later today;
• Preparations for the Taoiseach’s travel to London and Washington next week for St Patrick’s Day engagements; and
• The Department’s annual PMDS process.
MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:
• Update on the staggered and phased return of Departmental staff to the workplace.
——
Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer
Present: Martin Fraser, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.
Apologies: John Callinan, Helen Blake (both attending a meeting with the President of the European Council).
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• Developments in Ukraine;
• Related issues including economic and humanitarian matters;
• The National Day of Remembrance and Reflection Ceremony;
• Preparations for a meeting of the Departmental Council tomorrow;
• The Department’s end February 2022 Vote Position; and
• The Department’s annual PMDS process.
MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:
• Staff assignments.
——
Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer
Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.
Apologies: John Shaw.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• Developments in Ukraine;
• Related issues including economic and humanitarian matters;
• Preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Housing later today;
• Update from the Taoiseach’s visit to Derry last week;
• Preparations for the Taoiseach’s travel to Estonia and Finland later this week;
• Submission of the Department’s 2021 Appropriation Account to the C&AG before the end March deadline; and
• Noted the 2021 Annual Report of the Department’s Audit Committee.
——
Stephanie Harris Personnel Officer
Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• Developments in Ukraine;
• Related issues including economic and humanitarian matters;
• Update from the Taoiseach’s visit to Helsinki and Tallinn last week;
• Economic Matters, including updates on Climate Action, Housing, and Energy; and
• Preparations for a meeting of the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF) later this week.
MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:
• Government Press Officer competition.
——
Stephanie Harris
Personnel Officer
Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• Noted the outcome of the French presidential election;
• Developments in Ukraine;
• Related issues including economic and humanitarian matters;
• Preparations for a meeting of the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF) later this week;
• Preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Health later this week;
• Launch of the Shared Island ESRI report, ‘A North-South comparison of education and training systems: lessons for policy’ on Thursday;
• Preparations for the Taoiseach’s appearance before the Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement on Thursday;
• The Department’s end March 2022 Vote Position; and
• Secretary General meeting with staff via videoconference today at 11am.
MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:
• Staff assignments;
• Preparations for the transition to a new Secretary General with effect from 3rd May 2022.
——
Stephanie Harris
Personnel Officer
Present: John Callinan, John Shaw, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.
Apologies: Elizabeth Canavan, Aingeal O’Donoghue.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• Developments in Ukraine and related matters;
• Developments in Northern Ireland ahead of the Assembly elections;
• Update from last week’s meeting of the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF);
• Preparations for meetings of the Cabinet Committees on Housing and on Environment and Climate Change next week;
• Update on the phased return of Departmental staff to the workplace and preparations for the Department’s longer-term Blended Working Policy; and
• Expressed their appreciation to outgoing Secretary General, Martin Fraser, for his leadership and dedication over the past 11 years and wish him well in his new role.
MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:
• Internal competition for promotion to Principal Officer to be advertised shortly;
• Internal competition for Private Secretary to the Secretary General underway;
• Staff assignments.
——
Stephanie Harris
Personnel Officer
Present: John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.
Apologies: Aingeal O’Donoghue.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• Developments in Northern Ireland, including results of the Assembly elections;
• Ongoing situation in Ukraine and related issues, including preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Accommodation and Supports for Ukrainian Refugees later this week;
• Economic matters, including preparations for meetings of the Cabinet Committees on Environment and Climate Change and on Housing this week; and
• Preparations for the Taoiseach’s appearance before the Working Group of Committee Chairs on Thursday.
MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:
• Staff assignments.
——
Stephanie Harris
Personnel Officer
Present: John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• Ongoing situation in Ukraine and related matters, including an update from last week’s meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Accommodation and Supports for Ukrainian Refugees;
• Update from yesterday’s meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Social Affairs and Equality;
• Economic matters, including an update from yesterday’s meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Investment;
• Update on Northern Ireland and latest developments on Brexit/Protocol, including preparations for the Taoiseach’s visit to Belfast on Friday;
• The Department’s end of April 2022 Vote Position; and
• Preparations for MAC meeting with Principal Officers on Monday 23rd May 2022 at 11am.
MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:
• Staff assignments;
• Draft staff survey to inform the Department’s Blended Working Policy.
——
Stephanie Harris
Personnel Officer
Present: John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• Northern Ireland, including update from the Taoiseach’s visit to Belfast last week;
• Visit of a delegation of US politicians led by Congressman Richard Neal this afternoon;
• Taoiseach to host Prime Minister of the Netherlands for a working dinner at Farmleigh House this evening;
• Preparations for the Taoiseach’s upcoming international engagements, including visits to Davos and the Lebanon later this week and attendance at a meeting of the European Council in Brussels next week;
• Ongoing situation in Ukraine and related humanitarian matters;
• Economic matters;
• Preparations for MAC meeting with Principal Officers this morning at 11am; and
• Preparations for a staff meeting on Monday 30th May 2022.
MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:
• Staff assignments;
• Staff survey to inform the Department’s Blended Working Policy to issue this week for completion.
——
Stephanie Harris
Personnel Officer
Present: John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.
Apologies: Helen Blake.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• Update on Social Policy matters, including the Government’s humanitarian response to the ongoing situation in Ukraine;
• Update on the Taoiseach’s international engagements, including his visit to the defence forces on UN peacekeeping duties in the Lebanon at the weekend and attendance at a meeting of the European Council in Brussels this week;
• Economic matters, including memorandums to Government this week on the Well-being Framework and on the 2022 European Semester: Country Specific Recommendations;
• Update on Northern Ireland, including last week’s US Congressional Delegation visit led by Congressman Richard Neal; and
• Preparations for a staff meeting this morning at 11am.
MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:
• Staff assignments;
• Reminder to staff to complete the staff survey to inform the Department’s Blended Working Policy.
——
Stephanie Harris
Personnel Officer
Present: John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.
Apologies: Helen Blake.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• Taoiseach travelling to Strasbourg for engagements with the Council of Europe/ECHR and in the European Parliament today and tomorrow;
• Update on Northern Ireland;
• Humanitarian response to the ongoing situation in Ukraine, including preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Accommodation and Supports for Ukrainian Refugees next Monday;
• Update on Housing, including memorandum to Government this week on State Lands;
• Update on Climate Action;
• Re-instatement of security measures regarding control of access to the building that had been suspended due to Covid-19; and
• The Department’s updated Risk Register.
MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:
• Staff assignments;
• Notification from D/PER of revision of working hours for all staff to pre-Haddington Road Agreement levels from 1 July 2022.
——
Stephanie Harris
Personnel Officer
Present: John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• Humanitarian response to the ongoing situation in Ukraine, including preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Accommodation and Supports for Ukrainian Refugees today;
• Health and COVID-19, including update from last week’s meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Health;
• Economic matters, including upcoming engagement on National Economic Dialogue, the Summer Economic Statement and public service pay talks;
• Update on the latest developments on Brexit/Protocol;
• Update on EU matters; and
• Presentation by AARC Consulting on the Post-Covid-19 Review of the Organisational Structures and Design of the Irish Civil Service commissioned by D/PER.
MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:
• Staff assignments.
——
Stephanie Harris
Personnel Officer
Present: John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.
Apologies: Dermot Woods.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• Health and Covid-19;
• Update on Social Policy matters, including the Government’s humanitarian response to the ongoing situation in Ukraine and the launch this week of the whole-of-government national strategy to tackle Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence;
• Update from last week’s European Council meeting;
• Preparations for the Taoiseach’s visit to Madrid tomorrow;
• Northern Ireland and Brexit, including preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Brexit and Northern Ireland later today;
• Economic matters, including update from last week’s engagement on National Economic Dialogue;
• Climate Change, including preparations for next week’s meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Environment and Climate Change:
• The Dublin Pride Parade on Saturday, 25th June, including participation of the Taoiseach and the Secretary General;
• The Department’s end May 2022 Vote Position;
• The Department’s draft Annual Report for 2021; and
• Information on the Civil Service Excellence and Innovation Awards to be circulated to staff.
MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:
• Staff assignments.
Present: John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• Preparations for the Taoiseach’s attendance at the British-Irish Council summit in Guernsey later this week;
• Update on COVID-19,
• Update on the Humanitarian response to the ongoing situation in Ukraine;
• Economic matters, including the Summer Economic Statement to be published by Government later today;
• Shared Island Initiative, including memorandum to Government today on the Shared Island Fund; and
• The Department’s updated Risk Register.
MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:
• Staff assignments.
——
Stephanie Harris
Personnel Officer
Present: John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen.
Apologies: Stephanie Harris.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• Update on COVID-19;
• Economic matters, including preparations for two Cabinet Committee meetings this week on Housing and on Economic Recovery and Investment;
• Update on the Humanitarian response to the ongoing situation in Ukraine;
• Recent developments in the UK and the Taoiseach’s attendance at the British-Irish Council summit in Guernsey last Friday;
• Taoiseach visit to Ukraine last week and meeting with President Zelensky;
• The Department’s end of June 2022 Vote Position;
• Finalisation of the Department’s Annual Report for 2021 which will be submitted to Government shortly; and
• A thank you to all the staff involved in yesterday’s successful National Day of Commemorations event overseen by Protocol Division.
MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:
• The work ongoing on the Department’s Blended Work Policy; and
• Preparations for a Staff meeting next Monday 18th July at 11am.
——
Denis Breen
Head of Corporate Affairs
Present: John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen.
Apologies: Stephanie Harris, Helen Blake.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• Update on the Humanitarian response to the ongoing situation in Ukraine;
• Ongoing developments in the UK and Northern Ireland;
• Economic matters, including Climate Action and Energy Security;
• Update on Social Policy matters including Health;
• Taoiseach’s visit to Japan and Singapore this week; and
• Preparations for meeting of Departmental Council on Wednesday.
MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:
• Staff assignments;
• Staff meeting today at 11am.
——
Denis Breen
Head of Corporate Affairs
Present: John Callinan, Helen Blake, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen.
Apologies: Stephanie Harris, Dermot Woods.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• Preparations for a meeting this week of the Cabinet Committee on accommodation and supports for Ukrainian refugees;
• Update on EU discussions on energy supply
• Economic matters, including scheduled meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Environment and Climate Action;
• Ongoing developments in the UK;
• Preparations for a meeting this week of the Cabinet Committee on Social Affairs and Equality; and
• Update on the Taoiseach’s recent visit to Japan and Singapore.
MAC also discussed a number of staffing related issues, including:
• Q2 Progress report on the Department’s 2020 CSEES Action Plan which will be made available to the staff via the intranet shortly;
• Internal competition for Assistant Private Secretary to the Taoiseach to be advertised shortly;
• Staff assignments.
——
Denis Breen
Head of Corporate Affairs
Present: John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• Economic matters, including Energy, Housing and Social Dialogue;
• Update on the Humanitarian response to the ongoing situation in Ukraine;
• Update on Social Policy matters, including Health and COVID-19;
• Recent developments in the UK and preparations for the Taoiseach’s attendance at British-Irish Association conference this weekend;
• Shared Island, including the launch of Phase 2 of the Ulster Canal Restoration;
• Planning for the Taoiseach’s international engagements over the coming period; and
• The Department’s latest Resource Efficiency Action Plan.
MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:
• Staff assignments;
• Plans to offer the flu vaccine to all staff in the coming weeks.
——
Stephanie Harris
Personnel Officer
Present: John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• Recent developments in the UK and update from the Taoiseach’s attendance at the British-Irish Association conference;
• Preparations for the Taoiseach’s upcoming international engagements, including an informal European Council meeting in Prague next month;
• Economic matters, including Energy and a meeting of the LEEF this week;
• Update on the Humanitarian response to the ongoing situation in Ukraine;
• Preparations for a cultural event to mark the Irish Civil War on 17th September 2022; and
• The Department’s end July 2022 Vote Position.
MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:
• Staff assignments;
• The Department’s draft Blended Working Policy.
——
Stephanie Harris
Personnel Officer
Present: John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• Economic matters, including Energy, Budget 2023 and Housing;
• Update on the Humanitarian response to the ongoing situation in Ukraine;
• Recent developments in the UK and preparations for the Taoiseach’s attendance at a memorial service for Queen Elizabeth II in Belfast tomorrow;
• Preparations for the Taoiseach’s attendance at the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week;
• The Department’s updated Risk Register; and
• The Civil Service Excellence and Innovation Awards.
MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:
• Staff assignments;
• The Shanghai Officials Training Programme; and
• The Department’s draft Blended Working Policy.
——
Stephanie Harris
Personnel Officer
Present: John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.
Apologies: Aingeal O’Donoghue.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• Taoiseach’s visit to the UK to attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, including his meeting with the British Prime Minister, Liz Truss yesterday;
• Energy, including upcoming publication of the review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s gas and electricity systems;
• Economic matters, including Budget 2023 and Housing;
• Social Policy, including updates on the Humanitarian response to the ongoing situation in Ukraine and on COVID-19;
• Taoiseach’s meeting with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday;
• Preparations for the Taoiseach’s attendance at the United Nations General Assembly in New York later this week;
• The Department’s end August 2022 Vote Position;
• Preparations for a staff meeting on Monday 26th September 2022 and for MAC meeting with Principal Officers on Monday 3rd October 2022; and
• Compliments and thanks to all staff involved in Saturday’s successful cultural event to mark the Irish Civil War.
MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:
• Staff assignments;
• The Department’s draft Blended Working Policy.
——
Stephanie Harris
Personnel Officer
Present: John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.
Apologies: Helen Blake.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• Economic matters, including Budget 2023 and preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Investment later today;
• Health, including update on COVID-19;
• British-Irish and Northern Ireland matters, including recent developments in the UK;
• Taoiseach’s attendance at an informal European Council meeting in Prague later this week;
• Update on the humanitarian response to the ongoing situation in Ukraine;
• Final meeting of the Citizens’ Assembly on a Directly Elected Mayor for Dublin which took place this weekend;
• The Department’s Refund of Fees Scheme;
• The Department’s participation in the Civil Service Excellence and Innovation Awards; and
• Preparations for MAC meeting with Principal Officers this morning at 11:30.
MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:
• Staff assignments;
• The Department’s draft Blended Working Policy; and
• Anonymous staff census to capture data on the number of staff with a disability under the Disability Act 2005.
——
Stephanie Harris
Personnel Officer
Present: John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• The tragedy at Creeslough on Friday, the emergency response and provision of support services to the local community, and the visit of Taoiseach and Tánaiste to Creeslough over the weekend, expressing condolences to victims and their families, and appreciation to all involved in the response, as well as to GIS and Protocol staff who were on site at short notice;
• Economic matters, including preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Housing later today;
• EU matters, including an update from last week’s informal European Council meeting and preparations for the Taoiseach’s attendance at a formal European Council meeting on 20th & 21st October;
• British-Irish and Northern Ireland matters;
• Update on COVID-19;
• The Department’s end September 2022 vote position;
• New obligations under the Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021; and
• Meeting of the Department’s Green Committee tomorrow.
MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:
• Staff assignments.
——
Stephanie Harris
Personnel Officer
Present: John Callinan, John Shaw, Helen Blake, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris, Brian Keenan.
Apologies: Elizabeth Canavan, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• The Taoiseach’s visit to Belfast today;
• EU Matters, including update from last week’s meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Europe and preparations for the Taoiseach’s attendance at a European Council meeting on 20th & 21st October;
• Economic matters, including Housing and Energy;
• Noting the ongoing position on COVID-19;
• Humanitarian response to the ongoing situation in Ukraine;
• The Department’s participation in Open House at the weekend and expressed appreciation to all those involved; and
• Public Service Innovation Week from 24th to 28th October 2022.
MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:
• Staff assignments;
• The Department’s Blended Working Policy finalised.
——
Stephanie Harris
Personnel Officer
Present: John Callinan, John Shaw, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Brian Keenan.
Apologies: Elizabeth Canavan.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• Accommodation and supports for Ukrainian Refugees, including a meeting of the Cabinet Committee later today;
• British and Northern Ireland matters, including developments in the UK and the Taoiseach’s attendance at the British and Irish Interparliamentary Association meeting in Cavan today;
• Economic matters, including preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Housing today and the Cabinet Committee on Environment and Climate Change later this week;
• Social policy matters, including preparations for meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Social Affairs and Equality this week & the ongoing position on COVID-19; and
• Preparations for the Taoiseach’s upcoming attendance at the Western Balkans Summit 2022.
MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:
• Implementation of the Department’s Blended Working Policy is underway including ongoing staff communications.
——
Brian Keenan
Personnel Officer
Present: John Callinan, Elizabeth Canavan, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Brian Keenan.
Apologies: John Shaw, Helen Blake.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• The Taoiseach’s attendance at COP27 this week;
• British and Northern Ireland matters, including the attendance by the Taoiseach at the British Irish Council later this week and at Enniskillen for Remembrance Sunday;
• Economic matters, including the recent publication of the Housing for All Action Plan Update and Q3 2022 Progress Report;
• Health and Social policy matters, including preparations for the Cabinet Committee on Health next week and the ongoing position on COVID-19; and
• Update on humanitarian response for Ukrainian refugees in Ireland.
MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:
• Update on staff applications under the Department’s Blended Working Policy;
• Staff assignments.
——
Brian Keenan
Personnel Officer
Present: John Callinan, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Dermot Woods, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, John Shaw, Denis Breen, Brian Keenan.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• British and Northern Irish matters; including the Taoiseach’s recent meeting with UK Prime Minister, attendance at Enniskillen Remembrance Sunday and further engagements this week;
• Health and Social policy matters, including preparations for this week’s Cabinet Committee on Health;
• The ongoing position on COVID-19 and an update on humanitarian response for Ukrainian refugees in Ireland;
• International and European matters; including the Taoiseach’s recent attendance at COP27.
MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including;
• Staff assignments;
• This week’s North East Inner City (NEIC) Work Experience programme in the Department;
• Update on staff applications under the Department’s Blended Working Policy.
——
Brian Keenan
Personnel Officer
Present: John Callinan, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Dermot Woods, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, John Shaw, Denis Breen, Brian Keenan.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• British and Northern Irish matters, including the Taoiseach’s visit to Newry last week;
• International and European matters, including preparations for the Taoiseach’s visit to Paris this week;
• Economic matters, including Climate Action and preparations for this week’s Cabinet Committee on Housing;
• Health and Social policy matters, including update on last week’s Cabinet Committee on Health;
• Update on the continued humanitarian response for Ukrainian refugees in Ireland.
MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including;
• Staff assignments;
• Preparations for Wednesday’s Innovation workshop for staff;
• Update on staff applications under the Department’s Blended Working Policy.
——
Brian Keenan
Personnel Officer
Present: John Callinan, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Dermot Woods, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, John Shaw, Denis Breen, Brian Keenan.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• Economic matters, including preparations for this week’s Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery & Investment;
• International and European matters, including preparations for the planned visit of President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, on Thursday;
• Update the Taoiseach’s recent meeting with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, in Paris and plans for next week’s EU-Western Balkans summit in Tirana;
• British and Northern Irish matters, including arrangements for next week’s Shared Island Forum;
• Health and Social policy matters, including the continued humanitarian response for Ukrainian refugees in Ireland.
MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including;
• Staff assignments;
• Update on staff applications under the Department’s Blended Working Policy.
——
Brian Keenan
Personnel Officer
Present: John Callinan, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Dermot Woods, Elizabeth Canavan, John Shaw, Denis Breen, Brian Keenan.
Apologies: Helen Blake.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including:
• Social policy matters, including preparations for this week’s Cabinet Committee on Accommodation and Supports for Ukrainian Refugees;
• Update on the National Emergency Coordination Group meeting on the latest weather warnings;
• Economic matters, including update on Climate Action and Housing, last week’s meeting of the LEEF and the draft National Risk Assessment published for consultation;
• British and Northern Irish matters, including update on last week’s successful Shared Island Forum with thanks to all staff involved;
• International and European matters, including preparations for the Taoiseach’s attendance at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and EU Commemorative Summit and the European Council meeting this week;
• Taoiseach’s attendance at last week’s centenary commemoration of the coming into existence of the Irish Free State;
• Update on the Department’s end of November 2022 Vote Position;
• The Department’s updated Policy on Protective Disclosures.
MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including;
• Staff assignments;
• Update on staff applications under the Department’s Blended Working Policy.
——
Brian Keenan
Personnel Officer
Present: John Callinan, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Dermot Woods, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, John Shaw, Denis Breen, Brian Keenan.
MAC discussed a number of issues, including;
• The arrangements on Saturday for the appointment of the Taoiseach and new Government with thanks to the significant number of Department staff involved in the preparation and implementation of the changeover;
• Economic matters, including preparations for a meeting this week of Ministers on Climate Action matters;
• International and European matters, including update on last week’s European Council meeting;
• Social policy matters, including update from last week’s Cabinet Committee on Accommodation and Supports for Ukrainian Refugees;
• The Department’s draft Gender Pay Gap Report 2022.
MAC also discussed a number of staffing and related issues, including;
• Staff assignments;
• Noted that the Department’s work on Understanding Life in Ireland: Developing and embedding a Well-being Framework, has been shortlisted for the Civil Service Excellence and Innovation Awards in the category of Strategic Policy Development.
——
Brian Keenan
Personnel Officer