MAC Minutes 2017

Introduction
MAC Minutes Q1 2017
MAC Minutes Q2 2017
MAC Minutes Q3 2017
MAC Minutes Q4 2017

Introduction

These are the minutes of the meetings of the Management Advisory Committee (MAC).

MAC Minutes Q1 2017

Tuesday, 10 January 2017  

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, Philip Hamell, John Shaw, Liz Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Mary Keenan, Seán Hurley.

Apologies: Lorcan Fullam.  

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Developments in Northern Ireland;
Developments in the EU, including on Brexit;
Preparations for Cabinet Committees, including Health and Housing/Homelessness;
The Department's draft Strategy Statement;
Preparations for the Taoiseach's forthcoming visit to Madrid;
The Department's budgetary position and noted that the Department's total spend for 2016 was €22.6 million, which was within budget.

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

The temporary assignments to the Citizens' Assembly and expressed appreciation for the flexibility being demonstrated by individual staff members and their managers in this regard;
Mairéad Walsh Kelly, Clerical Officer, assigned to Minister of State Murphy's Constituency Office in Cork;
Niall Martin, Clerical Officer, assigned to Economic Infrastructure, Regulation and Climate Change Unit;
Mícheál Mac Donnchadha, Clerical Officer, assigned to the Parliamentary Liaison Unit on secondment from PeoplePoint;
MAC will meet with Principal Officers at 3.30 pm on Tuesday 17th January.

Seán Hurley, Personnel Officer

Monday, 16 January 2017  

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, Philip Hamell, John Shaw, Liz Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Mary Keenan, Seán Hurley.

Apologies: Lorcan Fullam.  

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Developments in Northern Ireland;
Developments in the EU, including on Brexit;
The Department's draft Strategy Statement;
Business Planning and Risk Assessment and agreed that Corporate Affairs Division would issue templates for use by Section / Business Unit Heads;
Preparations for the meeting between MAC and Principal Officers that will take place on 17 January;
Noted that a number of accommodation changes will take place this week and thanked the staff affected for their cooperation in this regard.

Seán Hurley, Personnel Officer

Monday, 23 January 2017  

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, Philip Hamell, John Shaw, Liz Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Mary Keenan, Seán Hurley.

Apologies: Lorcan Fullam.  

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

The Taoiseach's recent visit to Davos;
Developments in Northern Ireland;
Developments in the EU, including on Brexit;
The Department's draft Strategy Statement;
Business Planning and Risk Assessment and agreed that Divisions should submit their Business Plans and Risk Assessments to the Secretary General by 31 January [templates will issue from Corporate Affairs Division];
Preparations for Cabinet Committees;
The North East Inner City;
Noted that the Action Plan on Rural Development would be published later in the day;
Noted that the Action Plan for Jobs 2017 will be published on 1 February.

Seán Hurley, Personnel Officer

Monday, 6 February 2017  

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, Philip Hamell, John Shaw, Liz Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Mary Keenan, Seán Hurley.

Apologies: Lorcan Fullam.  

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

The recent visit of British Prime Minister, Theresa May;
Developments in the EU, including on Brexit and the Taoiseach's recent attendance at the EU Heads of Government Summit in Malta;
Developments in Northern Ireland;
Preparations for the Taoiseach's visit to Warsaw later in the week;
The Department's draft Strategy Statement which has been approved by Taoiseach;
The Annual Report on Cabinet Committees which has been approved by Taoiseach;
Business Planning and Risk Assessment;
Preparations for the Taoiseach's appearance before the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform and the Taoiseach;
Preparations for Cabinet Committees, including on Housing and Social Policy;
The North East Inner City;
Noted that the Action Plan for Jobs 2017 was published on 1 February;
Noted that the public consultation on a new National Planning Framework was launched on 2 February;
Noted that the new ePMDS system would go-live later that day;
The next quarterly staff meeting would take place on 20 February at 11:00 a.m.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues and noted:

Nick Callan, Administrative Officer, assigned temporarily to the Government Information Services;
Marc McManus, Executive Officer, temporary assignment to the Secretariat to the Citizens' Assembly extended; and MAC acknowledged the cooperation across the Department in relation to temporary staff moves;
Marie Clarke, Executive Officer, assigned to International, EU and Northern Ireland Division;

Monday, 13 February 2017  

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Liz Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Mary Keenan, Seán Hurley.

Apologies: Philip Hamell.  

MAC expressed their sadness at the passing of our colleague and friend, Lorcan Fullam, and offered their deepest condolences and sympathies to Lorcan's family at this sad time.

MAC also had a brief discussion of events for the week ahead.

Seán Hurley, Personnel Officer

Monday, 20 February 2017  

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, Philip Hamell, John Shaw, Liz Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Mary Keenan, Seán Hurley.

MAC noted a number of events from last week.

including the Taoiseach's speech at the IIEA on Brexit;
the second plenary of the All Island Civic Dialogue on Brexit;
the launch of the North East Inner City Dublin Initiative;
the Taoiseach's appearance before the Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform and the Taoiseach.

MAC also discussed preparations for the quarterly staff meeting that would take place later that day.

Seán Hurley, Personnel Officer

Monday, 27 February 2017  

Present: Martin Fraser, Philip Hamell, John Shaw, Liz Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Mary Keenan, Seán Hurley.

Apologies: John Callinan.  

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Developments in the EU, including on Brexit, and preparation for Taoiseach's visit to Brussels on Thursday;
Developments in Northern Ireland ahead of the Assembly elections;
Preparations for the Taoiseach's visit to the United States;
Preparations for Cabinet Committees, including on Housing; Economy, Trade and Jobs; and Arts, Irish, Gaeltacht and the Islands;
The Labour Employer Economic Forum due to take place the following day;
PMDS and noted that annual reviews should be completed by 16 March 2017 at the latest in order that the Department may report on compliance to the Department of Public *Expenditure and Reform;
Business Planning and Risk Assessment and agreed that there would be follow up with Divisions / Business Units that had not yet submitted their Risk Assessments.

Seán Hurley, Personnel Officer

 Monday, 6 March 2017  

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, Philip Hamell, John Shaw, Liz Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Mary Keenan.

Apologies: Seán Hurley.  

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Developments in Northern Ireland following the Assembly elections;
Developments in the EU, including on Brexit, and preparations for this week's European Council;
Preparations for the Taoiseach's visit to the United States;
Preparations for Cabinet Committees, including on Brexit; European Affairs; and Justice Reform;
The Department's February 2017 Vote Position;
PMDS, noting the annual review completion rates across Divisions, and encouraging managers to complete all annual reviews by 16 March 2017 at the latest.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues and noted:

Aoife Mullen, promoted to Administrative Officer on 27/02/2017;
Shane Caffrey, new entrant Administrative Officer, assigned to International, EU and Northern Ireland Division wef 08/03/2017.

Mary Keenan, Head of Corporate Affairs

Monday, 20 March 2017  

Present: Martin Fraser, Philip Hamell, John Shaw, Liz Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Mary Keenan, Seán Hurley.

Apologies: John Callinan.  

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

The Taoiseach's recent successful visit to the United States;
Developments in the EU, including on Brexit, and preparations for the Summit of EU Heads of State or Government in Rome on 25 March;
Developments in Northern Ireland;
Preparations for the Cabinet Committee on Health;
The Principal Officer Executive Leadership Programme;
PMDS and noted that HR Unit would follow up directly with Managers who have not yet completed the annual review process.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues and noted:

John Ryan, promoted to Higher Executive Officer and assigned to the Citizens' Assembly, while maintaining his administrative responsibilities with the Fennelly Commission of Investigation;
Aoife Mullen, Administrative Officer, assigned to Economic Division;
Katie Archer, Clerical Officer, assigned to International, EU and Northern Ireland Division on a permanent basis;
Nora Mackey, new entrant Clerical Officer, assigned to Protocol and General Division;
Joan Hayes, new entrant Clerical Officer, assigned to Data Protection Unit.

Seán Hurley, Personnel Officer

Monday, 27 March 2017  

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, Philip Hamell, John Shaw, Liz Canavan, Mary Keenan, Seán Hurley.

Apologies: Eamonn Molloy.  

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Developments in the EU, including on Brexit, and the Summit of EU Heads of State or Government in Rome on 25 March;
Developments in Northern Ireland;
Preparations for the Taoiseach's visit to Germany on 5-7 April;
The draft National Reform Programme for 2017;
The Principal Officer Executive Leadership Programme;
PMDS and noted that a 97% completion rate for annual reviews would be returned to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform;
Staffing issues and noted that Aisling Lynam, new entrant Administrative Officer, has been assigned to International, EU and Northern Ireland Division.

Seán Hurley, Personnel Officer

MAC Minutes Q2 2017

Monday, 3 April 2017  

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, Philip Hamell, John Shaw, Eamonn Molloy, Mary Keenan, Seán Hurley.

Apologies: Liz Canavan.

  MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Developments in the EU, including on Brexit and the positive references to Irish concerns in Prime Minister May's formal notification letter and in the draft EU negotiation guidelines;
Developments in Northern Ireland;
Preparations for the Taoiseach's visit to Germany on 5-7 April;
Preparations for the Seminar on the National Risk Assessment on 24 April;
The Principal Officer Executive Leadership Programme;
Staffing issues and noted that Stephen Kennedy, new entrant Clerical Officer, has been assigned to the Citizens' Assembly Secretariat.

Seán Hurley, Personnel Officer

Monday, 10 April 2017  

Present: Martin Fraser, Philip Hamell, John Shaw, Liz Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Mary Keenan, Seán Hurley.

Apologies: John Callinan.  MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Developments in Northern Ireland;
Developments in the EU, including on Brexit;
The Department's budgetary position;
The Department's 2016 Appropriation Account and noted that the account had been signed by the Accounting Officer and that the Department's total spend of €23.35m in 2016 was within budget;
Preparations for Cabinet Committes, including on Economy, Trade and Jobs; Social Policy;
Housing;
The Department's draft consolidated ICT Security and Usage Policy and Guidelines;
Health and Safety issues.

Seán Hurley, Personnel Officer

Tuesday, 25 April 2017  

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, Philip Hamell, John Shaw, Eamonn Molloy, Mary Keenan, Seán Hurley.

Apologies: Liz Canavan.  MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Developments in the EU, including on Brexit and preparations for the Special European Council on 29 April;
Developments in Northern Ireland;
The Taoiseach's recent visit to the Hague for a meeting with Prime Rutte of the Netherlands and Prime Minister Rassmussen of Denmark;
Preparations for the Taoiseach's visit to Canada;
Preparations for the Cabinet Committee on Brexit;
PMDS and encouraged all staff to complete their goal setting forms by Friday, 28 April if they have not already done so;
The Department's draft consolidated ICT Security and Usage Policy and Guidelines;

MAC also noted the following:

The success of the Open Policy Debate on the National Risk Assessment which took place on 24 April;
The success of the commemoration events delivered over the Easter period;
Mairéad Naughton, Administrative Officer, is assigned to Economic Division.

Seán Hurley, Personnel Officer

Monday, 8 May 2017  

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, Philip Hamell, John Shaw, Liz Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Mary Keenan, Seán Hurley.  

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Developments in the EU, including on Brexit and the outcome of the Special European Council on 29 April;
Developments in Northern Ireland, including the Irish Central Border Area Network's Impact of Brexit Seminar that took place in Enniskillen on 4 May;
The Taoiseach's recent visit to Canada;
Preparations for the visit of European Chief Negotiator for Brexit, Michel Barnier on 11-12 May;
Preparations for Cabinet Committees, including on Rural Affairs, Economic Infrastructure, *Social Policy and Housing;
The "Realising the Digital Economy - Enterprise Opportunities" round table discussion that took place on 4 May;
The Department's draft Annual Report for 2016;
The draft Programme for Government Annual Report;
PMDS and encouraged the small number of staff who have not signed off on their goal setting forms to do so as soon as possible;
Preparations for the meeting between MAC and Principal Officers that would take place later that day.

MAC also noted the following:

Sarah Burke, Clerical Officer, assigned to EU Section;
Gerard Shannon, Clerical Officer, assigned to Information Management and Support Unit;
Gemma McGurrin, new entrant Clerical Officer, assigned to the Programme for Government Office;
Liam Smith, new entrant Clerical Officer, assigned to Management Services Unit.

Seán Hurley, Personnel Officer

Monday, 15 May 2017  

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, Philip Hamell, John Shaw, Liz Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Mary Keenan, Seán Hurley.  

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Developments in the EU, including on Brexit and the visit of Michel Barnier on 11-12 May;
The economy, including the impact of Brexit;
The visit of The Prince of Wales;
The North East Inner City Initiative;
Preparations for Cabinet Committees, including on Infrastructure, Environment and Climate Action; Social Policy and Public Service Reform; and Housing;
The global cyber attack and reminded staff to be vigilant at all times; to routinely shut down their PCs every night before leaving to allow for essential updates; and to adopt a "think before you click" approach to emails;
The Department's consolidated ICT Security and Usage Policy and Guidelines and agreed that all staff would be requested to confirm in writing that they have read and understood the Policy;
Department's budgetary position.

Seán Hurley, Personnel Officer

Monday, 22 May 2017  

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, Philip Hamell, John Shaw, Liz Canavan, Mary Keenan, Seán Hurley.

Apologies: Eamonn Molloy.  

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Developments in the EU, including on Brexit;
The Taoiseach's visit to London on 19 May;
Preparations for the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Service Reform;
The Department's Risk Register;
Staffing issues.

Seán Hurley, Personnel Officer

Monday, 29 May 2017  

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, Philip Hamell, John Shaw, Liz Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Andrew Munro, Mary Keenan, Seán Hurley.  

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Developments in the EU, including on Brexit;
Developments in Northern Ireland;
Preparations for the Taoiseach's visits to Belgium and the United States;
Preparations for Cabinet Committees, including on Health;
The North East Inner City Initiative;
The Civil Service Employee Engagement Survey 2017;
The Department's HR Strategy.

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

Andrew Munro assigned as Assistant Secretary to the Government;
Steven Guyett, Clerical Officer, assigned to Human Resources Unit;
Kenneth Doyle, Cleaner, assigned to Corporate Affairs Division.

Seán Hurley, Personnel Officer

Thursday, 8 June 2017  

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, Philip Hamell, John Shaw, Liz Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Andrew Munro, Helen Blake, Mary Keenan, Seán Hurley.  

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Developments in the EU, including on Brexit;
Developments in Northern Ireland;
The Taoiseach's visit to Chicago;
The Taoiseach's visit to Messines, Belgium;
The Public Sector Pay Agreement;
The Annual Report of the Audit Committee 2016, and commended the work of Internal Audit and Corporate Affairs in this regard;
The Department's budgetary position;
The Principal Officer Executive Leadership Programme, and noted that the Department's nominees are Adrienne Harrington and George Burke;
The upcoming workshop on Unconscious Bias, which will take place on 15 June, and encouraged all staff to attend.

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

Helen Blake assigned as Assistant Secretary to International, EU and Northern Ireland Division;
Cathal O'Regan, promoted to Principal Officer, assigned temporarily to International, EU and Northern Ireland Division;
Eric McKay, Cleaner, assigned to Corporate Affairs Division.

Seán Hurley, Personnel Officer

Monday, 12 June 2017  

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, Philip Hamell, John Shaw, Liz Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Andrew Munro, Helen Blake, Mary Keenan, Seán Hurley.  

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Preparations for the election of a new Taoiseach and the appointment of a new Government;
The Data Summit, which will take place on 15/16 June.

Seán Hurley, Personnel Officer

Monday, 19 June 2017  

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, Philip Hamell, John Shaw, Liz Canavan, Eamonn Molloy, Andrew Munro, Helen Blake, Mary Keenan, Seán Hurley.  

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Preparations for the Taoiseach's meeting with Prime Minister May later that day;
Developments in Northern Ireland;
Developments in the EU, including on Brexit;
Administrative matters arising from the election of a new Taoiseach and the appointment of a new Government;
The Department's Audit Committee and noted that John Malone will remain as Chair and that John Callinan will step down from the Committee and be replaced by Helen Blake;
Noted the success of the Data Summit, which took place on 15/16 June.

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

Eugene Farrelly, promoted to Assistant Principal Officer, assigned temporarily to the Government Press Office;
Dermot McAuley, Executive Officer, assigned to Economic Division.

Mary Keenan, Head of Corporate Affairs

Monday, 26 June 2017  

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, Philip Hamell, John Shaw, Liz Canavan, Andrew Munro, Helen Blake, Mary Keenan.

Apologies: Eamonn Molloy and Seán Hurley.  

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Developments in Northern Ireland;
Developments in the EU, including on Brexit and the outcome of the European Council on 22 and 23 June;
Administrative matters arising from the election of a new Taoiseach and the appointment of a new Government;
The National Economic Dialogue which will take place on 28 and 29 June;
The Department's draft Risk Register.

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

The meeting of Departmental Council which took place on 22 June;
Mary Clare O'Sullivan, Principal Officer, assigned to Economic Division;
Cathal O'Regan, Principal Officer, assigned to International, EU and Northern Ireland Division;
Adrienne Harrington, Principal Officer; Kate Flinter, Higher Executive Officer;
Joan Hayes, Clerical Officer, assigned to Economic Division where they will continue to provide support on Data Protection issues to MoS Breen, but also to work on other issues within the Division.

Mary Keenan, Head of Corporate Affairs

MAC Minutes Q3 2017

Monday, 3 July 2017  

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, Philip Hamell, John Shaw, Eamonn Molloy, Andrew Munro, Helen Blake, Mary Keenan.

Apologies: Seán Hurley.  

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Developments in Northern Ireland;
Developments in the EU, including on Brexit;
Preparations for the visit of Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada;
Cabinet Committees;
The National Economic Dialogue which took place on 28 and 29 June; and
Cyber security and reminded staff to be vigilant at all times; to routinely shut down their *PCs every night before leaving to allow for essential updates; and to adopt a "think before you click" approach to emails.

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

Liz Canavan's appointment as interim Head of the new Department of Regional and Community Development;
Marc McManus, Executive Officer, assigned to EU Section; and
Graham Dullaghan, Clerical Officer (on secondment), assigned to Minister of State McHugh's Constituency Office in Letterkenny.

Mary Keenan, Head of Corporate Affairs

Monday, 10 July 2017  

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, Philip Hamell, John Shaw, Eamonn Molloy, Andrew Munro, Helen Blake.

Apologies: Mary Keenan, Seán Hurley.  

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Preparations for the Summer Economic Statement and the Budget;
Preparation of the Capital Spending Plan and the National Planning Framework;
The new initiative on strategic communications across Government.

MAC also noted:

The National Day of Commemoration;
Eric Doyle, new entrant Assistant Principal Officer (Higher), assigned to Economic Division;
The June vote position;
That meetings of new Cabinet Committees will take place in September.

Helen Blake, Assistant Secretary

Monday, 17 July 2017  

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, Philip Hamell, John Shaw, Andrew Munro, Helen Blake, Mary Keenan, Seán Hurley.

Apologies: Eamonn Molloy.  

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Developments in the EU, including on Brexit;
Cabinet Committees.

MAC also noted:

Clare Butler, new entrant Assistant Principal Officer (Higher), assigned to Social Policy
Public Service Reform Division;
Amy Mahon, promoted to Executive Officer, assigned temporarily to the Taoiseach's Office.

Seán Hurley, Personnel Officer

Monday, 31 July 2017  

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, Philip Hamell, John Shaw, Eamonn Molloy, Helen Blake, Mary Keenan, Seán Hurley.

Apologies: Andrew Munro.  

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

The Taoiseach's forthcoming visit to Northern Ireland;
Developments in the EU, including on Brexit;
The new Strategic Communications Unit;
Planning for the work of the Government and Cabinet Committees in the autumn;
Staffing issues.

MAC also noted:

Austin Dowdall assigned as Higher Executive Officer (ICT) to the IT Unit;
Stephen Higgins assigned as Press Officer to the Government Press Office, on secondment from the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation;
Laura Durkan assigned as Press Officer to the Government Press Office, on secondment from the National Shared Services Office.

Seán Hurley, Personnel Officer

Monday, 11 September 2017

  Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, Philip Hamell, John Shaw, Eamonn Molloy, Andrew Munro, Mary Keenan, Seán Hurley.

Apologies: Helen Blake.

Also in attendance: John Concannon  

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Preparations for Cabinet Committees;
Developments in the EU, including on Brexit;
Developments in Northern Ireland;
The new Strategic Communications Unit;
The Department's 2018 Estimates; and
Staffing issues.

MAC also noted:

John Concannon assigned as Director of Strategic Communications Unit on secondment from Fáilte Ireland;
Kate O'Toole, Assistant Principal, assigned to the Strategic Communications Unit;
Andrea Pappin, Assistant Principal, assigned to the Strategic Communications Unit;
Eugene Farrelly, Assistant Principal, assigned to the Strategic Communications Unit;
Nick Callan, Administrative Officer, assigned to the Strategic Communications Unit;
Katie Archer, Clerical Officer, assigned to the Strategic Communications Unit;
Orla Murray promoted to Higher Executive Officer and remaining as Private Secretary to the Leader of the Seanad;
Stephanie Harris assigned as Administrative Officer to Human Resources Unit;
Gillian Smyth assigned as Administrative Officer to Economic Division;
Joe Doyle, Executive Officer, assigned to Taoiseach's Constituency Office on secondment from the Department of Health;
Cathy Reid, Clerical Officer, assigned to Parliamentary Liasion Unit;
Hazel Kilduff assigned as Clerical Officer to Taoiseach's Private Office;
Aoife Mitchell assigned as Clerical Officer to Taoiseach's Private Office;
Cathal Dullaghan assigned as Clerical Officer to Finance Unit;
Commandant Caroline Burke assigned as the Taoiseach's Aide de Camp.

Seán Hurley, Personnel Officer

Monday, 18 September 2017  

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Eamonn Molloy, Andrew Munro, Helen Blake, Mary Keenan, Seán Hurley.

Also in attendance: John Concannon

Apologies: Philip Hamell.

  MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Developments in the EU, including on Brexit;
Developments in Northern Ireland;
The Department's budgetary position;
The 2nd Civil Service Employee Engagement Survey which will go live from 18 - 29 September and encouraged all staff to take part in the Survey;
The Department's Refund of Fees Scheme;
The next Quarterly Staff Meeting which will take place on 2 October at 11am;
Staffing issues.

Seán Hurley, Personnel Officer

MAC Minutes Q4 2017 

Monday, 2 October 2017  

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, Philip Hamell, John Shaw, Eamonn Molloy, Andrew Munro, Helen Blake, Seán Hurley.

Also in attendance: John Concannon  

Apologies: Mary Keenan.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Developments in the EU, including on Brexit and the Taoiseach's recent attendance at the informal Digital Summit in Tallinn;
Developments in Northern Ireland;
Budget 2018;
Estimates 2018;
The 2nd Civil Service Employee Engagement Survey and encouraged all staff to take part in the Survey if they have not already done so;
Preparations for a new Departmental Strategy Statement;
The Quarterly Staff Meeting which would take place later that day.

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

Martina Shaughnessy, Assistant Principal, assigned to Economic Division;
Killian McPhillips, Clerical Officer, assigned to the Taoiseach's Private Office.

Seán Hurley, Personnel Officer

Monday, 9 October 2017

  Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, Philip Hamell, John Shaw, Eamonn Molloy, Andrew Munro, Helen Blake, Mary Keenan.

Also in attendance: John Concannon  

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Budget 2018;
Developments in the EU, including on Brexit;
Developments in Northern Ireland;
Estimates 2018;
The Department's September Vote Position;
The Department's 88% response rate to the 2017 Civil Service Employee Engagement Survey and thanked all those who participated;
The funeral on Saturday of Former Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave and thanked all those who assisted with the arrangements for the service.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, agreed that the Department should run an internal promotion competition to Assistant Principal (Standard Scale), and noted the following:

Seán Hurley, Assistant Principal, assigned to Economic Division;
Barry Vaughan promoted to Principal Officer and assigned to Economic Division.

Mary Keenan, Head of Corporate Affairs

Monday, 23rd October 2017  

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

Also in attendance: John Concannon  

Apologies: Philip Hamell, Andrew Munro  

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:   

Developments in the EU, including on Brexit and the outcome of the recent European Council Meeting; 
Developments in Northern Ireland; 
Preparations for the Taoiseach’s visit to Paris this week;
Preparations for the Taoiseach’s forthcoming visit to US west coast.

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

Amy Mahon, Executive Officer, assigned to Protocol & General Division (Creative Ireland).

Teresa Doolan,  Personnel Officer

Monday, 06 November 2017  

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

Also in attendance: John Concannon  

Apologies: Andrew Munro  

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Developments in Northern Ireland;
Ireland's Rugby World Cup bid;
The Taoiseach’s successful visit to the US west coast last week;
Preparations for forthcoming meetings of Cabinet Committees;
Preparations for the British Irish Council in Jersey on Friday next.

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

Paul Bolger, Principal Officer, assigned (on secondment) to International, EU and Northern Ireland Division;
Teresa Doolan, Assistant Principal, assigned to Corporate Affairs Division as Personnel Officer;
Mary Timmins, Higher Executive Officer, assigned to the Taoiseach's Private Office as Assistant Private Secretary to the Taoiseach.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

Monday, 13 November 2017  

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, Philip Hamell, John Shaw, Eamonn Molloy, Andrew Munro, Helen Blake, Mary Keenan, Teresa Doolan.  

Also in attendance: John Concannon  

Apologies: Elizabeth Canavan  

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Developments in Northern Ireland, and the Taoiseach's visit to Enniskillen the previous day;
Developments in the EU, including on Brexit;
Preparations for forthcoming meetings of Cabinet Committees;
Preparations for the EU Social Summit in Gothenburg;
The Department's end October Vote position;
Launch of phase 1A of the Civil Service Mobility Scheme via the PeoplePoint Portal;
Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 - Transparency Code;
One Learning - Departmental Training Forecast for Quarter 1 2018.

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

Saoirse Kenny McKenna, new entrant Clerical Officer, assigned to the Government Press Office.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

Monday, 20 November 2017

  Present: Martin Fraser, Philip Hamell, John Shaw, Eamonn Molloy, Elizabeth Canavan, Andrew Munro, Helen Blake, Mary Keenan, Teresa Doolan.  

Also in attendance: John Concannon

  Apologies: John Callinan

  MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Developments in Northern Ireland;
Developments in the EU, including on Brexit and the recent Social Summit in Gothenburg;
Preparations for meetings of Cabinet Committees D (Infrastructure), A (Economy) and E (Health) this week;
Progress on the Creative Ireland Programme;
The establishment of a new Information and Records Management Unit in the Department (incorporating Registry) headed by Assistant Secretary, Philip Hamell.

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

Medbh Killilea, Higher Executive Officer equivalent, assigned to the Strategic Communications Unit on secondment from Fáilte Ireland;
Aileen Shanahan, Assistant Principal, assigned as Data Protection Officer to the Information and Records Management Unit;
Elaine Kelly, Assistant Principal, assigned to the Information and Records Management Unit.

Teresa Doolan , Personnel Officer

Monday, 27 November 2017  

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

Also in attendance: John Concannon  

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Developments in Northern Ireland;
Developments in the EU, including on Brexit;
Cabinet Committees held last week;
Departmental Council later that morning.

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

Rachael O'Donoghue, Higher Executive Officer (on secondment), assigned to the Strategic Communications Unit.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

Monday, 11 December 2017  

Present: Martin Fraser, Philip Hamell, John Shaw, Eamonn Molloy, Elizabeth Canavan, Andrew Munro, Mary Keenan.

Also in attendance: John Concannon

Apologies: John Callinan, Helen Blake, Teresa Doolan.    

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Developments in the EU, including on Brexit;
Developments in Northern Ireland;
The launch of Creative Youth - one of the key goals of the Creative Ireland Programme;
The Department's budgetary position as at end November;
The Department's draft Fraud Prevention Policy;
The Quarterly Staff Meeting scheduled for later that morning.

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

Marie Therese Molloy, new entrant Communications and Media Assistant, assigned to the Strategic Communications Unit;
David Nugent, new entrant Communications and Media Assistant, assigned to the Strategic Communications Unit;
Bróna Ní Chobhthaigh, Assistant Principal Officer (on secondment from the Department of Health), assigned to the Strategic Communications Unit;
Elaine O'Carroll, Clerical Officer, assigned to the Taoiseach's Private Office;
Saoirse Ross, Clerical Officer, assigned to Finance Unit;
Michelle Hendricken, promoted to Executive Officer and assigned to International, EU and Northern Ireland Division;
Julianne Grehan, new entrant Clerical Officer, assigned to Social Policy and Public Service Reform Division.

Mary Keenan, Head of Corporate Affairs

Monday, 18 December 2017

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

Also in attendance: John Concannon  

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Developments in the EU, including on Brexit;
National Development Plan;
National Policy Statement on the Bioeconomy;
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR);
Launch of Bliain na Gaeilge later this week;
The Department's Strategy Statement 2017 - 2020.

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

Niall Molloy, new entrant Clerical Officer, assigned to International, EU and Northern Ireland Division;
Gavin Leonard, new entrant Clerical Officer, assigned to the Taoiseach's Private Office;
Róisín Collier, Administrative Officer (on secondment from the Department of Health), assigned to the Strategic Communications Unit;
Elizabeth Lyne, Administrative Officer (on secondment from the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform), assigned to the Strategic Communications Unit.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer