MAC Minutes 2023

MAC Minutes Quarter 1 2023

Monday, 9th January 2023

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;

• Taoiseach’s recent meetings across a broad range of policy issues, including on Housing, Health and Children;

• Economic and Climate matters, including December’s launch of Ireland’s updated Climate Action Plan and preparations for the Housing Conference in Government Buildings this week;

• Social policy matters, including update on Health and preparations for establishment of new Child Poverty Unit;

• British and Northern Irish matters, including preparations for the Taoiseach’s visit to Northern Ireland later this week;

• Preparations for the Cabinet meeting in Farmleigh House on Wednesday;

• Plans for Cabinet Committees to be approved by Government (largely replicating those in place until appointment of the new Government on 17 December);

• Publication of the Department’s Gender Pay Gap Report 2022.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing and related issues, including;

• Conor Crowley, Higher Executive Officer (HEO), joining from interdepartmental competition, assigned to British and Northern Irish Division;

• AnnMarie Power, Executive Officer, joining on secondment to the Citizen Assembly;

• Conor Madden, joining on secondment as Private Secretary to Minister of State for European Affairs.

Brian Keenan, Personnel Officer

Monday, 16th January 2023

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;

• EU and International matters including, preparations for the Taoiseach’s attendance at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week;

• Economic matters including, update on last week’s Housing Summit which was held in Government Buildings;

• British and Northern Irish matters, including update on the Taoiseach’s visit to Northern Ireland last week and associated meetings;

• Social policy matters, including Health and Children.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing and related issues, including;

• Dave Rafferty, Clerical Officer, joining from open competition, assigned to Corporate Affairs;

• Martina Beggan, Clerical Officer, joining from open competition, assigned to Social Policy;

• Kate Coyne, Higher Executive Officer, joining on secondment to the Citizen Assembly;

• Update on the 2023 Principal Officer and SPS Talent Management programmes.

Brian Keenan, Personnel Officer

Monday, 23rd January 2023

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;

• EU and International matters including, update from the Taoiseach’s trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos and the visit of the President of the European Parliament next week;

• British and Northern Irish matters, including the Taoiseach’s call with the UK Prime Minister scheduled for this week;

• Economic matters including, Housing matters and preparations for next week’s Cabinet Committee;

• Update on the Department’s Vote Position.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing and related issues, including;

• Emily Hyland, Administrative Officer (AO), joining from open competition, assigned to Economic Division;

• Anne Barnett, Assistant Principal (AP), joining on secondment to the Citizen Assembly;

• Plans for Staff Meeting on Monday, 30th January at 11 a.m.

Brian Keenan, Personnel Officer

Monday, 30th January 2023

Present: John Callinan, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, John Shaw, Denis Breen, Brian Keenan.

In attendance : Aileen Shanahan

Apologies: Dermot Woods

MAC discussed a number of issues, including;

• The Department’s Data Protection Officer updated MAC on the operation of Data Protection in the Department;

• Economic matters including, preparations for Monday’s Cabinet Committee on Housing;

• Social Policy matters, including ongoing work on the humanitarian response for Ukrainian refugees and preparations for the Cabinet Committee meeting on Tuesday;

• EU and International matters, including the scheduled visit of the President of the European Parliament on Thursday;

• British and Northern Irish matters, including planning underway to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing and related issues, including;

• Preparations for Staff Meeting at 12 today;

• Upcoming internal HEO competition followed by an internal EO competition;

• Business planning underway and commencement of PMDS annual reviews/goal-setting processes;

• Department’s participation in SPS/PO Talent Management Programme and IMI/30% Club Network Mentor Programme;

• Circulation to staff of 2023 Seconded National Expert (SNE) vacancies for positions in the European Commission and the annual Bucerius Summer School on Global Governance in August 2023.

Brian Keenan, Personnel Officer

Monday, 13th February 2023

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;

• Update on business planning process and PMDS (end of year reviews / goal setting), due for completion in February;

• Work is underway on the Department’s new Statement of Strategy, which will include a consultation piece to take place shortly;

• Economic matters including, update from recent LEEF meeting and preparations for this week’s Cabinet Committee on the Economy and Investment;

• Social Policy matters, including preparations for this week’s Cabinet Committee on Health;

• Ongoing work on the humanitarian response for Ukrainian refugees in Ireland.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing and related issues, including;

• Monika Kelly, Executive Officer (EO), return from career break, temporarily assigned to Corporate Services;

• Upcoming meeting between MAC and Principal Officers.

Brian Keenan, Personnel Officer

Monday, 20th February 2023

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 Environment and Climate Change;

• Social Policy matters, including preparations for this week’s Cabinet Committee on Humanitarian Response to Ukraine scheduled for Thursday;

• Continuing EU and UK negotiations and Northern Ireland Protocol;

• Consideration by Government on Cost of Living measures;

• The Department’s end January Vote position.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing and related issues, including;

• Update on the Department’s Green Committee activities and development of a Climate Action Roadmap for the Department;

• Department Council Meeting taking place today.

Brian Keenan, Personnel Officer

Monday, 6th March 2023

Present: John Callinan, Dermot Woods, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Denis Breen, Brian Keenan.

Apologies: Aingeal O’Donoghue, John Shaw.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including;

• Plans to mark International Women’s Day 8th March including, Wednesday’s webinar ‘Stronger Together - Real Equality Works for Everyone’ and Thursday’s Thekla Talks Spring Event - Lessons from female leaders in creating the public service workforce of the future;

• Social Policy matters, including Memorandum to Government this week on Gender Equality;

• Update on EU and UK developments linked to the Windsor Framework;

• Update on preparations for the Taoiseach’s appearance before the Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach on Thursday.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing and related issues, including;

• Sophie Tevlin, Clerical Officer, new entrant via open competition, assigned to Private Office;

• Sophie Afonseca, Clerical Officer, new entrant via open competition, assigned to EU and International Division;

• Owen Currie, Clerical Officer, new entrant via open competition, assigned to Economic Policy Unit;

• Christina Downey, Higher Executive Officer, return from maternity leave, assigned to Economic Division;

• Update on Department’s PMDS annual review process.

Brian Keenan, Personnel Officer

Monday, 27th March 2023

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;

• EU and International matters, including update from the Taoiseach’s attendance at the European Council and the likely visit by US President Biden in April;

• British and Northern Irish matters, including the Windsor Framework and upcoming events in Northern Ireland to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement;

• Economic matters, including Housing;

• Social Policy matters, including preparations for this week’s Cabinet Committees on Health and Humanitarian Response to Ukraine.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing and related issues, including;

• The recent internal Higher Executive Officer competition and plans for an internal Executive Officer competition;

• David Cafferty, Administrative Officer, joining on secondment, assigned to Shared Island Unit;

• Elaine Hanlon, Administrative Officer, joining on secondment, assigned to Shared Island Unit;

• The Young Ireland Programme 2023 and update on Department’s engagement with the IMI 30% Club Network Mentor Programme;

• Update on Department’s PMDS annual review process and the Department’s updated Risk Register;

• Meeting next week between MAC and Principal Officers.

Brian Keenan, Personnel Officer

Monday, 3rd April 2023

Present: John Callinan, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Dermot Woods, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, John Shaw, Brian Keenan.

Apologies: Denis Breen

MAC discussed a number of issues, including;

• EU and International matters, including preparations for the planned visit by US President Biden;

• British and Northern Irish matters, including events to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement;

• Social Policy matters, including preparations for this week’s Cabinet Committees on Social Affairs and Public Services;

• Economic matters, including Housing.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing and related issues, including;

• Jerome Wholihane, promoted to Assistant Principal via internal panel, assigned to Citizen Assembly;

• Ryan Higgins, Executive Officer, joining on secondment, assigned to Citizen Assembly;

• Update on the proposed review of the Department’s Blended Working Policy and this week’s meeting between MAC and Principal Officers.

Brian Keenan, Personnel Officer

Monday, 17th April 2023

Present: John Callinan, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Dermot Woods, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, John Shaw, Brian Keenan.

Apologies: Denis Breen

MAC discussed a number of issues, including;

• EU and International matters, including last week’s visit of US President Biden. Particular thanks are expressed to staff in Protocol, GIS, and International Divisions and to the many staff across the Department who volunteered to help with the visit;

• The first meeting of the Citizens' Assembly on drug use which took place over the weekend;

• British and Northern Irish matters, including preparations for the Taoiseach’s trip to Belfast on Wednesday for events marking the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement;

• Economic matters, including preparations for Monday’s Cabinet Committee on Housing and Thursday’s Cabinet Committee on the Environment and Climate Change;

• Taoiseach’s participation in Ostend Summit on Offshore Renewable Energy on Monday 24th April.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing and related issues, including;

• Anna Visser, Principal Officer, joining on secondment to Child Poverty Unit in Social Policy Division;

• Stephen Loftus, Press Officer, joining on secondment, assigned to Government Information Services;

• Niall Fitzpatrick, promoted to Administrative Officer, lateral move to Social Policy Division;

• Scott Murray, promoted to Executive Officer via interdepartmental competition, temporarily assigned to Private Office;

• Shauna Scanlon, promoted to Executive Officer via interdepartmental competition, temporarily assigned to Private Office;

• Denise Ryan, Executive Officer, joining via interdepartmental competition, temporarily assigned to Citizen Assembly;

• Jimmy Somers, Clerical Officer, new entrant via open competition, assigned to the Private Office;

• Róisín Keane, Clerical Officer, new entrant via open competition, assigned to Social Policy Division;

• Circulation of the Department’s 2022 Audit Committee Annual Report.

Brian Keenan, Personnel Officer

Monday, 24th April 2023

Present: John Callinan, Dermot Woods, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, John Shaw, Denis Breen, Brian Keenan.

Apologies: Aingeal O’Donoghue.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including;

• Discussion on the rapidly changing situation in Sudan;

• EU and International matters, including the Taoiseach’s participation in Ostend Summit on Offshore Renewable Energy on Monday;

• Economic matters, including update on Housing matters and update from last week’s Cabinet Committees;

• The Department’s draft Climate Action Roadmap;

• Update on the Department’s end of March 2023 Vote position.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing and related issues, including;

• Jacob O’Donnell, promoted to Higher Executive Officer via internal panel, assigned as Press Officer in Government Information Services;

• Celine McEvoy, promoted to Higher Executive Officer via internal panel, assigned to Government Secretariat;

• Shauna Scanlon, promoted to Executive Officer, lateral move to the Office of the Government Chief Whip;

• Plans for the upcoming internal Executive Officer Competition.

Brian Keenan, Personnel Officer

Monday, 8th May 2023

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 attendance at the Royal Coronation and update on Shared Island event this week;

• Social Policy matters, including update from last week Cabinet Committee on the Humanitarian Response to Ukraine and preparations for this week’s Cabinet Committee on Social Affairs and Public Services;

• EU and International matters, including preparations for the Taoiseach’s attendance at Council of Europe Summit in Iceland next week

• Update on the Department’s end of April 2023 Vote position.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing and related issues, including;

• Cian Brady, Clerical Officer, joining on mobility, assigned to Finance Unit;

• Lorraine Kavanagh, Assistant Principal, lateral move, temporarily assigned to Corporate Services;

• Update on the Young Ireland Programme 2023;

• PAS advertised the TLAC post in the British-Irish and Northern Ireland Division last Friday.

Brian Keenan, Personnel Officer

Monday, 15th May 2023

Present: John Callinan, Dermot Woods, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, John Shaw, Brian Keenan.

Apologies: Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including;

• EU and International matters, including preparations for the Taoiseach’s attendance at the Council of Europe Summit in Iceland;

• Economic matters, including update on recent offshore wind auction under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme;

• Social Policy matters, including updates on Health, Gender Equality and recent OECD Strength in Policy Making Forum;

• The ongoing work on the humanitarian response for Ukrainian refugees and International Protection applicants in Ireland.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing and related issues, including;

• Victoria Murphy, promoted to Executive Officer via interdepartmental competition, assigned to Human Resources;

• Update on the Department’s internal Executive Officer competition.

Brian Keenan, Personnel Officer

Monday, 22nd May 2023

Present: John Callinan, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Dermot Woods, Helen Blake, John Shaw, Denis Breen, Brian Keenan.

Apologies: Elizabeth Canavan.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including;

• EU and International matters, including update from the Taoiseach’s attendance at the Council of Europe Summit in Iceland;

• Economic matters, including update on Housing matters and preparations for this week’s Cabinet Committee on the Economy and Investment;

• British and Northern Ireland matters, including update on NI local elections and recent meeting between Irish Secretaries General and UK Permanent Secretaries;

• Department plans for staff participation in Civil & Public Service events to mark Dublin Pride 24 June 2023.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing and related issues, including;

• Anne Marie McGauran, Assistant Principal, joining on secondment, assigned to Child Poverty Unit;

• Fidelma Costello, Assistant Principal, joining on secondment, assigned to Child Poverty Unit;

• Kirsty Doyle, Administrative Officer, joining on secondment, assigned to Child Poverty Unit;

• George Chelaru, Clerical Officer, new entrant, assigned to Social Policy Division.

Brian Keenan, Personnel Officer

Monday, 29th May 2023

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 national ceremony of remembrance to mark the end of the Civil War which was held on Sunday at the Garden of Remembrance in Dublin;

• EU and International matters, including preparations for the Taoiseach’s attendance the European Political Community summit in Moldova this week;

• Social Policy matters, including preparations for this week’s Cabinet Committee on Health and Cabinet Committee on Social Affairs and Public Service;

• The appointment of Jim Gavin as chair of North East Inner City Implementation Board.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing and related issues, including;

• Cormac Kilbride, Clerical Officer, new entrant, assigned to Human Resources;

• Tara Walsh, promoted to Assistant Principal via open competition, assigned to Government Information Services;

• Plans for upcoming staff meeting on Thursday at 11am.

Brian Keenan, Personnel Officer

Monday, 19th June 2023

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;

• British and Northern Ireland matters, including update from British-Irish Council summit in Jersey and preparations for Shared Island Unit event this week;

• EU and International matters, including recent visit of Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel;

• Economic matters, including update from last week’s National Economic Dialogue and publication of Understanding Life in Ireland: The Well-being Framework 2023;

• Preparations for this week’s Cabinet Committees on Health, Social Affairs and Public Services and EU and International Affairs;

• Update on the Department’s Vote position for May and the Department’s draft Statement of Strategy 2023-2025;

• The Department’s Children First Annual Report 2022;

• Staff participation in Dublin Pride Parade on Saturday, 24 June 2023.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing and related issues, including;

• Aidan Crawley, Press Officer, joining on secondment, assigned to Government Information Services;

• Tadgh Healy, Administrative Officer, joining on secondment, assigned to Child Poverty Unit;

• Roisin Hunt, promoted to Executive Officer via open competition, assigned to Child Poverty Unit;

• Brian Dooley, Clerical Officer, joining via mobility, assigned to Taoiseach’s Constituency Office;

• Christina Carey, promoted to Executive Officer via internal competition, assigned to Chief Whip’s Office;

• Julianne Grehan, Executive Officer, lateral move, assigned to Economic Division;

• Scott Murray, Executive Officer, lateral move, assigned to Secretary General Office;

• Janis Tyrrell, Clerical Officer, joining via open competition, assigned to Taoiseach’s Private Office;

• Kin Bang, Clerical Officer, joining via open competition, assigned to Citizens Assembly;

• Emma Rachel Hanway, Assistant Principal, joining via open competition, assigned to Social Policy Division;

• Martin Ryan, Executive Officer, joining via open competition, assigned to Government Information Services;

• Anthony Farrell, Clerical Officer, joining via open competition, temporarily assigned to Government Information Services.

Brian Keenan, Personnel Officer

Monday, 26th June 2023

Present: John Callinan, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, John Shaw, Denis Breen, Brian Keenan.

Apologies: Dermot Woods.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including;

• EU and International matters, including preparations for the Taoiseach’s attendance at European Council this week;

• Social Policy matters, including update on Gender Equality referenda;

• Economic matters, including preparations for Monday’s Cabinet Committee on Housing;

• British and Northern Ireland matters, including update on related developments.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing and related issues, including;

• Update on the Department’s participation in the Shanghai Irish Officials Programme;

• Upcoming plans for Staff Survey;

• Anne Whelan, promoted to Executive Officer via internal competition, assigned to Social Policy Division;

• Deirdre O’Driscoll, Press Officer, joining on secondment, assigned to Government Information Services.

Brian Keenan, Personnel Officer

Monday, 3rd July 2023

Present: John Callinan, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, John Shaw, Denis Breen, Brian Keenan.

Apologies: Dermot Woods.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including;

• EU and International matters, including update from the Taoiseach’s attendance at European Council;

• Economic matters including, preparations for the Energy Summit event in Government Buildings on Thursday and Monday’s meeting of the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF);

• Social Policy matters, including update from the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) Conference - Exploring Just Transition in Agriculture and Land Use and preparations for this week’s Cabinet Committee on Humanitarian Response to Ukraine;

• National Day of Commemoration, Sunday 9th July 2023.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing and related issues, including;

• Kiah Tutty, Clerical Officer, joining via open competition, assigned to Social Policy Division;

• Michelle Barnwell, Clerical Officer, joining via open competition, assigned to Shared Island Unit;

• Launch of Staff Survey.

——

Brian Keenan

Personnel Officer

Monday, 10th July 2023

Present: John Callinan, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, John Shaw, Brian Keenan.

Apologies: Dermot Woods, Denis Breen.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including;

• Update from Sunday’s National Day of Commemoration, with specific thanks to all staff involved;

• EU and International matters, including preparations for the Taoiseach’s attendance at the EU and the Community of Latin America and Caribbean states (CELAC) summit next week;

• Economic matters including, preparations for Cabinet Committee on the Environment and Climate Change on Monday and preparations for Housing for All updates this week;

• Update from last week’s Energy Summit event in Government Buildings with thanks to all staff involved;

• Social Policy matters, including preparations for Cabinet Committee on Children and Education on Thursday;

• Department’s Statement of Strategy 2023-2025 which has been approved by Government;

• Departmental Council Meeting taking place on Monday.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing and related issues, including;

• New joiner meeting with Secretary General and preparations for new joiner tour of Lenister House;

• Olaf Almqvist, Administrative Officer, joining via open competition, assigned to British and Northern Ireland Affairs Division;

• Gill Ní Bhroin, Assistant Principal, joining via mobility, assigned to EU & International Division;

• Lorraine Kavanagh, Assistant Principal, lateral move, temporarily assigned to EU & International Division.

——

Brian Keenan

Personnel Officer

Monday, 17th July 2023

Present: John Callinan, Dermot Woods, Elizabeth Canavan, John Shaw, Denis Breen, Brian Keenan.

Apologies: Helen Blake.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including;

• EU and International matters, including preparations for the Taoiseach’s attendance at the EU and the Community of Latin America and Caribbean states (CELAC) summit this week;

• Update on Freedom of Information (FOI) matters, including delegation of internal reviews to Principal Officers with immediate effect;

• Social Policy matters, including updates on Health and Disability matters;

• Economic matters including, updates on Housing and Climate matters;

• Department’s Vote Position for end of June 2023.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing and related issues, including;

• Update on Staff Survey with thanks to all staff who responded;

• Department’s draft Annual Report 2022.

——

Brian Keenan

Personnel Officer

Monday, 24th July 2023

Present: John Callinan, Dermot Woods, Elizabeth Canavan, John Shaw, Helen Blake, Denis Breen.

Apologies: Brian Keenan.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including;

• Planning for Cabinet Committee meetings in the Autumn;

• EU and International matters, including Taoiseach’s visit to Ukraine last week;

• Social Policy matters, including Humanitarian Response issues and meeting of Cabinet Committee on Health later today

• Economic matters including a meeting of the Housing for All Delivery Group later this week;

• Final National Risk Assessment 2023 – Overview of Strategic Risks to be submitted to Government this week.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing and related issues, including;

• New entrant Alex Deasy, Executive Officer (open panel), temporarily assigned to Government Information Service.

Denis Breen

Head of Corporate Affairs

Monday, 4th September 2023

Present: John Callinan, Dermot Woods, Elizabeth Canavan, Émer Deane, John Shaw, Helen Blake, Denis Breen, Brian Keenan.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including;

• Preparations for this week’s Cabinet Meeting in Avondale, County Wicklow;

• EU and International matters; including preparations for the US Congressional Delegation meeting with the Taoiseach this week;

• Economic matters including update on Housing for All and preparations for Budget 2024;

• Social Policy matters, including update on Humanitarian Response to Ukraine;

• British and Northern Ireland matters, including preparations for the Taoiseach’s upcoming visit to Northern Ireland;

• Civil Service Employee Engagement Survey which will launch on Monday, 11th September 2023.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing and related matters, including;

• Émer Deane, promoted to Assistant Secretary via TLAC competition, assigned to Britain and Northern Ireland Affairs Division;

• Ronan Gargan, Principal Officer, joining on secondment, assigned to EU and International Affairs Division;

• Orlaith Fitzmaurice, Principal Officer, joining on secondment, assigned to National Security Analysis Centre (NSAC);

• Louise France, promoted to Assistant Principal via open competition, assigned to National Security Analysis Centre (NSAC);

• Nóirín Ní Earcáin, Assistant Principal, returning from leave, assigned to Social Policy Division;

• Philip McGuinness, Administrative Officer joining via open competition, assigned to Economic Division;

• Sarah Philpott, Clerical Officer, joining via open competition, assigned to Social Policy Division;

• Joyce Halman, Clerical Officer joining on secondment, assigned to Constituency Office for the Minister of State for European Affairs;

• Department received a WAM Leader Award for participation in the 2022/2023 Willing Able and Mentoring Programme.

——

Brian Keenan

Personnel Officer

Monday, 11th September 2023

Present: John Callinan, Elizabeth Canavan, John Shaw, Helen Blake, Denis Breen, Brian Keenan.

Apologies: Dermot Woods, Émer Deane.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including;

• Last week’s Cabinet Meeting in Avondale, County Wicklow with thanks to all staff involved;

• EU and International matters; including a visit of Croatian Prime Minister, Andrej Plenkovic on Tuesday and preparations for the Taoiseach’s visit to the US next week, including his attendance at the United Nations;

• Economic matters including update on energy and planning matters;

• British and Northern Ireland matters, including the Taoiseach’s visit to Northern Ireland this week;

• Civil Service Employee Engagement Survey is now live and staff are encouraged to participate.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing and related matters, including;

• Upcoming staff meeting on Tuesday, 19th September at 11am;

• George Chelaru, promoted to Administrative Officer via open competition, assigned to Economic Division;

• Christopher Cleary, Clerical Officer, lateral move, assigned to Finance Unit.

——

Brian Keenan

Personnel Officer

Monday, 18th September 2023

Present: John Callinan, Dermot Woods, Elizabeth Canavan, Émer Deane, John Shaw, Denis Breen, Brian Keenan.

Apologies: Helen Blake.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including;

• EU and International matters, including the Taoiseach’s visit to the US this week and his attendance at the UN General Assembly;

• Economic matters, including update on energy matters and Budget 2024 preparations;

• Social Policy matters, including update on Health and Child Poverty & Wellbeing matters;

• Department’s Vote Position at end August;

• Department’s response rate for the Civil Service Employee Engagement Survey.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing and related matters, including;

• Preparations for Tuesday’s Staff Meeting at 11am;

• Arrangements being finalised for Department’s 2023 Flu Vaccine Programme;

• Thursday’s Bewley’s Big Coffee Morning Social for Hospice at 11am in the Canteen;

• Marie Holthuijzen, Administrative Officer, joining via open competition, assigned to Economic Division;

• Jane Wong, Executive Officer, joining via open competition, assigned to Government Information Service;

• Seán Harper, Clerical Officer, joining via open competition, assigned to Taoiseach’s Private Office.

——

Brian Keenan

Personnel Officer

Monday, 25th September 2023

Present: John Callinan, Dermot Woods, Elizabeth Canavan, Émer Deane, John Shaw, Mary Keenan, Denis Breen, Brian Keenan.

Apologies: Helen Blake.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including;

• National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, with special thanks to staff who were involved;

• Social Policy matters, including preparations for Monday’s Cabinet Committee on Health and Wednesday’s Cabinet Committee on Social Affairs and Public Services;

• British and Northern Ireland matters, including possible meeting between the Taoiseach and UK Prime Minister next month;

• Economic matters, including update on Energy and Climate matters;

• The Department’s updated Risk Register and the Civil Service Employee Engagement Survey extension;

• The Taoiseach’s appearance before Seanad Éireann on Thursday.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing and related matters, including;

• Olga Safronova, Clerical Officer, joining via open competition, assigned to British and Northern Ireland Affairs Division;

• Aoife Budd, Assistant Principal, returning from leave and joining via assistant principal higher interdepartmental competition, assigned to British and Northern Ireland Affairs Division;

• Mary Keenan, promoted to Assistant Secretary via TLAC competition, assigned to Corporate Services Division (comprising Corporate Affairs, Protocol and Civic Policy and the Government Information Service);

• Anna Crossan, Administrative Officer, joining via open competition, assigned to EU and International Division.

——

Brian Keenan

Personnel Officer

Monday, 9th October 2023

Present: John Callinan, Dermot Woods, Helen Blake, John Shaw, Mary Keenan, Denis Breen, Brian Keenan.

Apologies: Elizabeth Canavan, Émer Deane.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including;

• Budget 2024 preparations;

• EU and International matters, including Taoiseach’s attendance at last week’s EU Summit in Granada and the recent events in Israel;

• Taoiseach's meeting with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Granada;

• Economic matters, including preparations for this week’s Cabinet Committee on Housing;

• Social Policy matters, including preparations for this week’s Cabinet Committee on Humanitarian Response to Ukraine;

• Department’s Vote Position at end September.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing and related matters, including;

• Final departmental completion rate of 90% for the 2023 Civil Service Employee Engagement Survey, with thanks to staff for their participation and valued feedback;

• Recent update to staff on security measures in place for Government Buildings;

• Review of the Department’s Library Service;

• Upcoming competition for Assistant Private Secretary to the Taoiseach and secondment campaign for Higher Executive Officer within Government Information Service;

• Stephanie Harris, Assistant Principal, returning from leave, assigned to Social Policy Division;

• Martina Lee, Clerical Officer, joining via open competition, assigned to Taoiseach’s Private Office;

• Paula Hannon, Clerical Officer, lateral move to EU and International Section.

——

Brian Keenan

Personnel Officer

Monday, 16th October 2023

Present: John Callinan, Dermot Woods, Elizabeth Canavan, Émer Deane, Helen Blake, John Shaw, Mary Keenan, Denis Breen, Brian Keenan.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including;

• Budget 2024, with thanks to staff who supported the range of activities last week;

• EU and International matters, including update from the Taoiseach’s meeting with French President, Emmanuel Macron in Paris;

• British and Northern Ireland matters, including update on prospects for restoration of NI institutions;

• Social Policy matters, including preparation for this week’s Cabinet Committee on Health and update on the Humanitarian Response to Ukraine;

• Economic matters, including preparation for this week’s Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and the Environment.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing and related matters, including;

• Government Buildings participated in Open House Dublin over the weekend, with thanks to the staff involved.

——

Brian Keenan

Personnel Officer

Monday, 6th November 2023

Present: John Callinan, Dermot Woods, Elizabeth Canavan, Émer Deane, Helen Blake, John Shaw, Mary Keenan, Denis Breen, Brian Keenan.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including;

• EU and International matters, including update on the continuing situation in Israel and Gaza and from the Taoiseach’s attendance at recent European Council meetings and Trade Mission in the Republic of Korea;

• Economic matters, including update from the recent Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and the Environment and update on Housing for All matters;

• Social Policy matters, including update on the Humanitarian Response to Ukraine;

• British and Northern Ireland matters, including update on matters related to the prospects for restoration of NI institutions.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing and related matters, including;

• Aoife McQuillan, Assistant Principal, joining via interdepartmental competition, assigned to Protocol;

• Síle De Búrca, Assistant Principal, lateral move, assigned to Government Secretariat;

• Update on HR matters including the Department’s 2023-2024 Refund of Fees Programme and intention to facilitate the establishment of informal grade-based staff networks in the Department.

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Brian Keenan

Personnel Officer

Monday, 20th November 2023

Present: John Callinan, Dermot Woods, Elizabeth Canavan, Émer Deane, Helen Blake, John Shaw, Mary Keenan, Denis Breen, Brian Keenan.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including;

• British and Northern Ireland matters, including preparation for the 40th British-Irish Council Summit on Thursday in Dublin Castle and this week’s Cabinet Committee on Brexit and Northern Ireland;

• Economic matters, including last week’s launch of the Housing for All Annual Update and meeting of the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF) today;

• Social Policy matters, including preparation for Cabinet Committee on Social Affairs and Public Services later today;

• EU and International matters, including update on the Taoiseach’s international engagements this week;

• NESC@50 Conference – ‘A Thriving Ireland: Foundations & Actions’ at Dublin Castle on Thursday;

• Update on the Department’s end of October 2023 Vote Position including requirement for a technical supplementary estimate 2023;

• Finalisation of the Department’s updated Fraud Prevention Policy.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing and related matters, including;

• Eugene Farrelly, promoted to Principal Officer via internal competition, assigned to Protocol and Civic Policy Unit;

• This week’s North East Inner City (NEIC) TY Work Experience programme in the Department;

• First of a number of informal grade network meetings taking place this week.

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Brian Keenan

Personnel Officer

Tuesday, 28th November 2023

Present: John Callinan, Dermot Woods, Elizabeth Canavan, Émer Deane, Helen Blake, John Shaw, Mary Keenan, Denis Breen, Brian Keenan.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including;

• Recognition of the sterling work by staff over recent days in relation to the hosting of the British-Irish Council Summit, NESC@50 Conference and the Well-being Framework Seminar;

• British and Northern Ireland matters, including British Irish Inter-Governmental Conference in Farmleigh on Tuesday;

• Economic matters, including Monday’s Cabinet Committee on Housing and Cabinet Committee on the Environment and Climate Change;

• Social Policy matters, including preparation for Cabinet Committee on Humanitarian Response to Ukraine;

• EU and International matters, including preparation for the Taoiseach’s attendance at Cop28 in the United Arab Emirates this week and preparation for Monday’s Cabinet Committee on EU and International Affairs;

• Discussion on security matters, including events in Dublin last Thursday;

• Meeting between MAC and Principal Officers on Tuesday.

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Brian Keenan

Personnel Officer

Monday, 4th December 2023

Present: John Callinan, Dermot Woods, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, John Shaw, Mary Keenan, Denis Breen, Brian Keenan.

Apologies: Émer Deane.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including;

• The ‘Embraced Loop’ monument in Phoenix Park which was unveiled by the Taoiseach to remember and celebrate the lives of all those affected by HIV and Aids;

• Update from the Taoiseach’s attendance at COP28 in the United Arab Emirates last week;

• EU and International matters, including preparation for Monday’s Cabinet Committee on EU and International Affairs and next week’s European Council meeting;

• Social Policy matters, including preparation for Thursday’s Cabinet Committee on Humanitarian Response to Ukraine and update on Gender Equality Referendum matters;

• Launch of the 9th Civil Service Excellence and Innovation Awards.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing and related matters, including;

• Katie Downes, Assistant Private Secretary to the Taoiseach via internal competition, assigned to Private Office;

• Gillian Smyth, promoted to Assistant Principal via internal competition, assigned to Social Policy Division;

• Upcoming Staff Meeting with Secretary General on Monday, 11th December at 11am.

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Brian Keenan

Personnel Officer

Monday, 11th December 2023

Present: John Callinan, Dermot Woods, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, John Shaw, Denis Breen, Brian Keenan.

Apologies: Émer Deane, Mary Keenan.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including;

• Social Policy matters, including preparation for Monday’s Cabinet Committee on Humanitarian Response to Ukraine;

• EU and International matters, including preparation for the Taoiseach’s attendance at Western Balkans Summit on Wednesday and European Council on Thursday;

• Economic matters, including update on Climate and Housing matters;

• Preparation for the Taoiseach’s meeting with the President in Áras an Uachtaráin next week;

• British and Northern Ireland matters, including update on matters related to the prospects for restoration of NI institutions.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing and related matters, including;

• Victoria Gibson, HEO – ICT, joining via open competition, assigned to ICT Unit;

• Staff Meeting with Secretary General at 11am;

• Update on establishment of Departmental Grade Networks;

• Departmental Council meeting scheduled for today.

——

Brian Keenan

Personnel Officer