MAC Minutes 2019

See previous years' Management Board Minutes for the Department of the Taoiseach.

Monday 7 January 2019

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Andrew Munro, Denis Breen, Teresa Doolan.

Also in attendance: Derek Tierney, Brexit Preparedness & Contingency Planning.

Apologies: Helen Blake.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• The Department's priorities in the first quarter;
• Brexit and national preparedness and contingency planning;
• Northern Ireland;
• Housing;
• Health and Justice Reform;
• 2019 Business Planning to be completed by 31st January in advance of 2019 PMDS cycle; and
• Importance of remaining cohort of managers taking up training on the Underperformance Policy and Disciplinary Code taking place on 28th and 29th January.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues and noted the following:

• Staff assignments.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

Monday 14 January 2019

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Andrew Munro, Helen Blake, Denis Breen, Teresa Doolan.

Also in attendance: Derek Tierney, Brexit Preparedness & Contingency Planning.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Brexit, including national preparedness and contingency planning;
• The Taoiseach's visit to Mali and Ethiopia last week;

MAC also noted:

• The Department's End of 2018 Vote Position; and
• Tender for a Leadership Development Programme for senior management including Principal Officers to be awarded shortly following evaluation.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

Monday 21 January 2019

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Andrew Munro, Helen Blake, Denis Breen, Teresa Doolan.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Brexit, including national preparedness and contingency planning;
• Northern Ireland;
• Today's commemoration events marking the centenary of the First Dáil;
• Business Planning and commencement of the 2019 PMDS process; and
• Staffing issues.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

Monday 11 February 2019

Present: Martin Fraser, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Andrew Munro, Helen Blake, Denis Breen, Teresa Doolan.

Apologies: John Callinan

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Brexit, including national preparedness and contingency planning;
• Northern Ireland and preparations for the All-Island Civic Dialogue which will take place in Dublin Castle on Friday;
• Justice Reform;
• Health Reform; and
• Performance Management with end of year reviews and goal setting underway for all staff in the Department during February.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues and noted the following:

• Staff assignments;
• A number of Transition Year students from the North East Inner City are undertaking work experience in the Department this week.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

Monday 18 February 2019

Present: Martin Fraser, John Shaw, Eamonn Molloy, Denis Breen, Teresa Doolan.

Apologies: John Callinan, Elizabeth Canavan, Andrew Munro, Helen Blake.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Brexit, including national preparedness and contingency planning;
• Northern Ireland;
• Preparations for the Taoiseach’s attendance at the EU League of Arab States summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, later this week;
• Deployment of the Learning Management System (LMS) over the coming months following completion of the Pilot; and
• Performance Management with end of year reviews and goal setting to be completed by all staff by 28 February 2019.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues and noted the following:

• Staff assignments.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

Monday 25 February 2019

Present: Martin Fraser, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Andrew Munro, Teresa Doolan.

Apologies: John Callinan, Helen Blake, Denis Breen.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Preparations for the establishment of a National Security Assessment Centre as part of the implementation of the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland;
• Brexit, including national preparedness and contingency planning;
• Northern Ireland;
• Housing and Homelessness;
• Finalisation of the Future Jobs Ireland Plan;
• Preparations for the Taoiseach's appearance before the Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach later this week; and
• Performance Management with end of year reviews and goal setting to be completed by all staff by 28 February 2019.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues and noted the following:

• Staff assignments.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

Monday 25 March 2019

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Andrew Munro, Helen Blake, Denis Breen, Teresa Doolan.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Preparations for the establishment of the National Security Analysis Centre as part of the implementation of the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland;
• Brexit, including national preparedness and contingency planning;
• Last week’s European Council meeting;
• The Taoiseach’s recent successful visit to the United States;
• Memorandum to Government on the Maritime Area and Foreshore (Amendment) Bill;
• Publication of the Future Jobs Ireland 2019 Programme;
• eLEADS and PMDS - noting 98% completion rate for 2018 PMDS annual reviews;
• Special Government Meeting on Gender equality measures on International Women’s Day;
• Preparations for Leadership Development Programme for senior managers including Principal Officers;
• The Department’s participation in the IMI/30% cross-company Mentoring Programme; and
• Quarterly staff meeting and MAC and PO meeting to take place later this week.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues and noted the following:

• Staff assignments.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

Monday 1 April 2019

Present: Martin Fraser, Elizabeth Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Andrew Munro, Denis Breen.

Apologies: John Callinan, John Shaw, Helen Blake, Teresa Doolan.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Submission of the Department’s 2018 Appropriation Account to the C&AG before the end March deadline;
• Advertisement last Friday by the Public Appointments Service of the position of Director of the National Security Analysis Centre;
• Brexit, including national preparedness and contingency planning;
• The Taoiseach’s visit to Paris on Tuesday;
• Preparations for meeting of Cabinet Committee F this week.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, agreed that the Department will run an internal competition at Principal Officer (Standard Scale) and noted the following:

• Staff assignments.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

Monday 8 April 2019

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Andrew Munro, Denis Breen, Teresa Doolan.

Apologies: Helen Blake.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Brexit, including national preparedness and contingency planning;
• Preparations for visit by the EU Chief Negotiator for Brexit, Michel Barnier later today; and
• Forthcoming European Council Meeting on Wednesday.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

Monday 15 April 2019

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Andrew Munro, Helen Blake, Denis Breen, Teresa Doolan.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Preparations for meeting of the High Level Steering Board on Policing Reform on Wednesday;
• Preparations for visit by the Speaker of the US Congress Nancy Pelosi and the Congressional Delegation this week;
• Brief update on Brexit and outcome of European Council meeting last week;
• Ireland’s National Reform Programme 2019 submitted to Government this week;
• The Department’s end March Vote position;
• Development of the Department’s new HR Strategy; and
• Preparations for Leadership Development Programme for senior management including Principal Officers.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues and noted the following:

• Staff assignments;
• The Department’s participation in the IMI/30% Club Cross-Company Mentoring Programme..

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

Monday 29 April 2019

Present: Martin Fraser, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Andrew Munro, Helen Blake, Denis Breen, Teresa Doolan.

Apologies: John Callinan

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Preparations for Cabinet meeting in Cork this week;
• National Broadband plan;
• National Climate Change plan;
• Health Reform;
• Policing and Justice reform;
• Preparations for establishment of the National Security Analysis Centre;
• Preparations for establishment of Citizens Assembly;
• Situation in Northern Ireland;
• Brief update on Brexit;
• 2018 Annual Report of the Audit Committee of the Department; and
• Information sessions for staff on Freedom of Information on Wednesday 1st May.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues and noted the following:

• Staff assignments.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

Monday 20 May 2019

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Andrew Munro, Helen Blake, Denis Breen, Teresa Doolan.

Apologies: Eamonn Molloy

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Update on Brexit;
• Ongoing talks in Northern Ireland;
• Draft 2019 National Risk Assessment which will be submitted to Government shortly prior to public consultation;
• The Department’s end April Vote position;
• Finalisation of the Department’s Annual Report 2018;
• Publication of the Fourth Progress Report on implementation of the Civil Service Renewal Plan;
• National Climate Change Plan and preparations for upcoming meeting of Cabinet Committee D (Infrastructure);
• Update on the rollout of the unified Government of Ireland identity within the Department;
• Preparations for establishment of the National Security Analysis Centre;
• Preparations for establishment of Citizens Assembly;
• The Department’s new Official Languages Scheme ready for submission to the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht;
• Rollout of the OneLearning Learning Management System (LMS) today; and
• Online GDPR/data protection training to be rolled out and undertaken by all staff of the Department.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues and noted the following:

• Staff assignments.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

Monday 27 May 2019

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Andrew Munro, Eamonn Molloy, Helen Blake, Denis Breen, Teresa Doolan.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Preparations for meeting of Cabinet Committee D (Infrastructure) this week;
• Preparations for visit by US President Trump in June;
• Visits by Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland and UK Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn this week;
• European Council meeting this week;
• Taoiseach meeting with Opposition leaders this week in relation to the IBRC Commission of Investigation;
• Taoiseach’s appearance before the Oireachtas Working Group of Committee Chairs on Thursday;
• Security measures being rolled out in the Department; and
• Upcoming event in the Department to promote innovation among staff having regard to the recently launched Public Service Innovation Fund.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues and noted the following:

• Staff assignments.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

Monday 10 June 2019

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Helen Blake, Denis Breen.

Apologies: Andrew Munro, Teresa Doolan.

Also in attendance: Dermot Woods.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Recent publication of Programme for Government Annual Report 2019;
• Preparations for meeting of Cabinet Committee G (Justice and Equality) this week;
• National Climate Change Plan;
• Preparations for upcoming Summer Economic Statement;
• Ongoing talks in Northern Ireland;
• Brexit matters;
• Preparations underway for establishment of National Security Analysis Centre;
• Last week’s visit by President Trump and engagement with the Taoiseach in Shannon, which involved contribution by many staff including Protocol, GIS and International section;
• Launch of Senior Leadership Development Programme on 11 July;
• Requesting the remaining staff to complete the online Data Protection training to underpin Department’s strong commitment to GDPR;
• Innovation workshop for staff later today; and
• Staffing issues.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

Monday 17 June 2019

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Andrew Munro, Eamonn Molloy, Helen Blake, Teresa Doolan.

Apologies: Denis Breen

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Preparations for upcoming Summer Economic Statement;
• National Climate Change Plan;
• Northern Ireland;
• Brexit matters including no deal planning; and
• Preparations for the European Council and the Taoiseach’s visit to Luxembourg later in the week.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues and noted the following:

• The Shanghai Officials Training Programme;
• Staff assignments.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

Monday 1st July 2019

Present: Martin Fraser, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Andrew Munro, Denis Breen, Teresa Doolan.

Apologies: John Callinan, Eamonn Molloy, Helen Blake.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Brexit matters including no deal planning;
• Current ongoing European Council meeting;
• Ongoing political talks in Northern Ireland;
• Church State Dialogue later this week;
• Publication of the Summer Economic Statement last week;
• The Department’s new Official Languages Scheme 2019 – 2022 approved by the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht; and
• Nominations invited for the 2019 Civil Service Excellence & Innovation Awards.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues and noted the following:

• Staff assignments;
• Invitation to staff for expressions of interest in the Young Ireland Programme 2019.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

Monday 8th July 2019

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Helen Blake, Teresa Doolan.

Also in attendance: Dermot Woods.

Apologies: Andrew Munro, Denis Breen.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Brexit matters including three Memoranda to Government on preparations for a no deal Brexit;
• Outcome of last week’s European Council meeting;
• Successful State visit to Germany;
• Ongoing political talks in Northern Ireland;
• Global Ireland Summit later this morning;
• Preparations for Cabinet Committee B (Social Policy & Public Services) later in the week;
• Memorandum to Government on Census 2021;
• Memorandum to Government on Future Jobs Ireland Implementation; and
• Motion regarding Citizens’ Assembly on Gender Equality before the Dáil this week.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues and noted the following:

• Staff assignments.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

Monday 15th July 2019

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Helen Blake, Andrew Munro, Denis Breen, Teresa Doolan.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Brexit matters including no deal planning;
• Successful National Day of Commemoration and expressed appreciation to all staff involved;
• First meeting of the Climate Change Delivery Board this week;
• Ongoing political talks in Northern Ireland;
• Policing and Justice Reform;
• Finalisation of the National Risk Assessment 2019;
• The Department’s end of June Vote position;
• Preparations for security measures being rolled out in the Department; and
• Staffing issues.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

Monday 22nd July 2019

Present: Martin Fraser, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Andrew Munro, Denis Breen, Teresa Doolan.

Apologies: John Callinan, Helen Blake.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Brexit matters including no deal planning;
• Ongoing political talks in Northern Ireland;
• Cabinet meeting in Donegal on Thursday;
• Revised Cabinet Committee structure; and
• Open House Dublin 2019.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues and noted the following:

• Staff assignments.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

Monday 29th July 2019

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Andrew Munro.

Apologies: Eamonn Molloy, Helen Blake, Teresa Doolan.

Also in attendance: Dermot Woods.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Brexit matters including continuing weekly Brexit planning meetings;
• Cabinet meeting of 25th July last;
• Revised Cabinet Committee structures and related SOG arrangements; and
• Civil Service Excellence Awards applications.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues and noted the following:

• Staff assignments.

Elizabeth Canavan, Assistant Secretary

Friday 13th September 2019

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Helen Blake, Andrew Munro, Teresa Doolan.

Also in attendance: Dermot Woods.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Brexit matters and no deal planning;
• Progress with the Citizens’Assembly;
• Preparations for meeting of the Climate Action Delivery Board next week;
• Preparations for the 2019 National Ploughing Championships next week;
• Forthcoming Digital Summit on 20th September, which is being organised by the Department; and
• Budget 2020.

MAC also discussed a number of administrative issues and noted the following:

• The Department's end of July and August 2019 Vote Position;
• The Department’s Children First Safeguarding Statement and Implementation Plan;
• Third level courses under the Refund of Fees Scheme being undertaken by staff of the Department;
• Update on ICT projects underway;
• Participation by two staff members in the 2020 Young Ireland Programme;
• Senior Leadership Development Programme; and
• Internal competition for promotion to Assistant Principal Officer and a Government Press Officer competition to be advertised shortly.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues and noted the following:

• Staff assignments.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

Monday 23rd September 2019

Present: Martin Fraser, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Andrew Munro, Teresa Doolan.

Apologies: John Callinan, Helen Blake.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Brexit matters and no deal planning;
• Northern Ireland;
• Taoiseach’s visit to the US and attendance at the UN General Assembly this week;
• Progress on Policing and Justice Reform; and
• The Quarterly staff meeting which would take place later that morning.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues and noted the following:

• Staff assignments.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

Monday 30th September 2019

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Helen Blake, Andrew Munro, Teresa Doolan.

Also in attendance: Dermot Woods.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Brexit matters and no deal planning;
• Budget 2020;
• Memorandum to Government on Policing and Justice Reform;
• Preparations for Cabinet Committee on Environment and first progress report on the Climate Action Plan; and
• Rollout of security measures in the Department.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues and noted the following:

• Staff assignments.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

Monday 07th October 2019

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Andrew Munro, Teresa Doolan.

Apologies: Helen Blake.

Also in attendance: Dermot Woods.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Brexit matters and no deal planning;
• Budget 2020;
• Taoiseach’s visits to Sweden and Denmark last week;
• Preparations for upcoming meetings of Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure and Cabinet Committee on Security later this week;
• Rollout of security measures in the Department;
• Participation in the Open House Festival 2019; and
• Senior Leadership Development Programme.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues and noted the following:

• Staff assignments.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

Monday 14th October 2019

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Helen Blake, Teresa Doolan.

Apologies: Andrew Munro

Also in attendance: Dermot Woods.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Brexit matters including the latest position on negotiations;
• The Department’s end September Vote position;
• Taoiseach’s meeting with the American Chamber of Commerce later today;
• Successful participation in the Open House Festival on Saturday last and expressed appreciation to all staff involved; and
• Staffing issues.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

Monday 21st October 2019

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Helen Blake, Andrew Munro, Teresa Doolan.

Also in attendance: Dermot Woods.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Latest position on Brexit and outcome of the European Council meeting last week;
• Northern Ireland;
• Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Services later today;
• First Progress Report on the Climate Action Plan; and
• The Department’s Resource Efficiency Action Plan.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues and noted the following:

• Staff assignments.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

Monday 11th November 2019

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Helen Blake, Teresa Doolan.

Apologies: Andrew Munro

Also in attendance: Dermot Woods

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Taoiseach’s visit to Enniskillen;
• Economic policy issues including Future Jobs summit, competitiveness/insurance costs, broadband and climate action;
• Preparations for the British Irish Council in Farmleigh later this week;
• Forthcoming National Security Policy Forum;
• Brexit matters; and
• Leadership Development Programme.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues and noted the following:

• Staff assignments;
• Transition Year students, including a number of students from the North East Inner City, undertaking work experience in the Department this week.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

Monday 18th November 2019

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Helen Blake, Andrew Munro, Teresa Doolan.

Also in attendance: Dermot Woods

MAC expressed appreciation to all staff involved with the successful organisation of the British Irish Council and the National Security Forum last week.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Visit of the President-elect of the European Council, Charles Michel last week;
• Meeting of the Climate Action Delivery Board later today;
• National Broadband Plan;
• Brexit matters;
• Forthcoming meeting of senior officials group on Commemorations;
• Department’s end of October Vote position; and
• Staffing Issues.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

Monday 25th November 2019

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Helen Blake, Andrew Munro, Teresa Doolan.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Preparations for Cabinet Committee on Environment;
• Meeting of senior officials group on Commemorations later this week;
• Brexit matters;
• Northern Ireland; and
• Civil Service Excellence and Innovation Awards last week.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues and noted the following:

• Staff assignments.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

Monday 02nd December 2019

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Helen Blake, Andrew Munro, Teresa Doolan.

Also in attendance: Dermot Woods

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Meeting of Cabinet Committee on Environment later today;
• Preparations for upcoming meetings of Cabinet Committees on Brexit, Foreign and European Affairs and Social Policy and Public Services;
• Brexit matters;
• Northern Ireland; and
• 20th Anniversary event for the North South Ministerial Council later today.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues and noted the following:

• Staff assignments.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

Monday 09th December 2019

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Helen Blake, Andrew Munro, Teresa Doolan.

Also in attendance: Dermot Woods

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Meetings of Cabinet Committees on Social Policy and Public Services and on Brexit, Foreign and European Affairs later today;
• Brexit matters;
• Northern Ireland;
• Civil Service renewal discussion paper and role of the Civil Service Management Board; and
• Staffing issues.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

Monday 16th December 2019

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Helen Blake, Andrew Munro, Teresa Doolan.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Meeting of Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure later today;
• Outcome of the European Council meeting last week;
• Brexit matters;
• Northern Ireland;
• The Department’s end November Vote position; and
• Leadership Development Programme.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues and noted the following:

• Staff assignments.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer