Assistant Secretary, Protocol and Civic Policy and Corporate Affairs

Protocol and Civic Policy Division: Responsible for State protocol, including protocol for the Taoiseach; organisation of State and official functions including commemorations; assisting with inward visits by Heads of State or Government. Point of contact between the Office of the President and Government Departments. Facilitates the programme of structured dialogue between Government and churches, philosophical and non-confessional bodies. Liaises on administrative matters with the legal offices of the State and the Moriarty Tribunal. Chairs the Interdepartmental Implementation Group for the Electoral Commission. Provides support to, and liaises with, the Citizens’ Assembly, and supports the Taoiseach in relation to constitutional matters.

Corporate Affairs Division is responsible for delivering financial, procurement & travel management; human resources; ICT; accommodation and other support services to the Department of the Taoiseach and its staff within a robust governance framework. Corporate Affairs Division also seeks to identify opportunities to improve business processes, communications and information flows across the Department and with its internal and external customers.

Internal Audit Unit provides assurance to the Accounting Officer on the adequacy and effectiveness of the Department’s system of internal controls. The Unit operates as a resource for Departmental and Divisional Managers through its analysis and appraisal of Departmental controls systems. In its reports, the Unit makes recommendations to management based on best practice. The Unit also acts in an advisory capacity to projects under development to ensure the adequacy of control measures.