MAC Minutes 2019

MAC Minutes Quarter 1 2019
MAC Minutes Quarter 2 2019
MAC Minutes Quarter 3 2019
MAC Minutes Quarter 4 2019

MAC Minutes Quarter 1 2019

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:

Scott Murray, new entrant Clerical Officer, assigned to the Taoiseach's Private Office; and
Tracey Germaine, Assistant Principal (on secondment from Department of Justice & Equality), assigned to Social Policy and Public Service Reform Division.

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:

Kate Flinter, Assistant Principal, assigned temporarily to Brexit Preparedness and Contingency Planning;
Gemma McGurrin, Clerical Officer, assigned to International, EU and Northern Ireland Division; and
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:

Ross Fitzgerald, Executive Officer (interdepartmental panel), assigned to Social Policy and Public Service Reform Division; and
Sascha O’Toole, Higher Executive Officer, assigned temporarily to Brexit Preparedness and Contingency Planning.

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:

Ciara Mahon, Clerical Officer, assigned temporarily to Brexit Preparedness and Contingency Planning;
Jason Smyth, Clerical Officer, assigned temporarily to Brexit Preparedness and Contingency Planning; and
Helen Rooney, new entrant Clerical Officer, assigned to the Office of the Minister of State for European Affairs.

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:

Bróna Ní Chobhthaigh, Assistant Principal, secondment to the European Commission under the National Experts in Professional Training (NEPT) Programme;
Jackie Coogan, Higher Executive Officer, assigned to Information & Records Management Unit;
Carol Kearney, Clerical Officer, assigned to HR Unit, Corporate Affairs Division;
Jenny O’Hora, Assistant Principal, assigned temporarily to Brexit Preparedness and Contingency Planning; and
Noirín Ní Earcain, Assistant Principal, assigned to International, EU and Northern Ireland Division.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

MAC Minutes Quarter 2 2019

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:

Aisling Gelston-Tims, Executive Officer (inter-departmental panel), assigned to Government Information Service.

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:

Christina Carey, new entrant Clerical Officer, assigned to the Taoiseach’s Private Office;
The Department’s participation in the IMI/30% Club Cross-Company Mentoring Programme with Andrew Munro and Eamonn Molloy participating as Mentors and Kate Flinter, Clare Butler and Paul Spring participating as mentees; and
Participation by Elizabeth Lyne in the National Experts Professional Training (NEPT) Programme this Autumn.

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:

Norman O’Leary, new entrant Clerical Officer, assigned to Economic Policy Division;
James Kelly, new entrant Clerical Officer, assigned to Information and Records Management Unit;
Brian Dooley, new entrant Clerical Officer, assigned to Finance Unit, Corporate Affairs Division; and
Andrew Boyle, Administrative Officer (on secondment from Department of Public Expenditure and Reform) assigned to International, EU and Northern Ireland Division.

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:

Tadhg Fallon, Higher Executive Officer (on secondment from Department of Health), assigned to Social Policy and Public Service Reform Division; and
Gill Ní Bhroin, First Secretary/Assistant Principal (on secondment from Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade) assigned to International, EU and Northern Ireland Division.

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:

Appointment by TLAC of Dermot Woods as Director of the National Security Analysis Centre;
Padraig Ó’Conaill, Principal Officer appointed as Head of Internal Audit in addition to his current role as head of Parliamentary Liaison Unit;
Cathy Martin, new entrant Administrative Officer, assigned to Government Information Service; and
Marie Scally, new entrant Clerical Officer, assigned to Social Policy and Public Service Reform Division.

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;
Sharon Finegan, Principal Officer, to be appointed to a new Climate Change Unit in Economic Division on her return; and
Christine Reen, Administrative Officer, (returning from career break) assigned to the new Climate Change Unit, Economic Division.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

MAC Minutes Quarter 3 2019

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:

Dr Larry O’Connell has been selected as the next Director of the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) following an open competition; and
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:

Máire Flanagan, Assistant Principal and Jack Lowry, Executive Officer, assigned to the National Security Analysis Centre;
Launch of the Leadership Development Programme for senior managers including Principal Officers on Thursday 11th July; and
Lorraine Kavanagh, Andrew Moran and Amy Mulligan selected for participation in the Shanghai Officials Training Programme in September 2019.

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:

Sharon Finegan, Principal Officer, assigned to Climate Change Unit, Economic Division; and
Katie Caraher, new entrant Clerical Officer, assigned to Social Policy and Public Service Reform Division.

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:

Denis Breen, Principal Officer, temporarily assigned to Brexit Preparedness and Contingency Unit until end October;
Mary Clare O’Sullivan, Principal Officer, assigned as Secretary to the Citizens’ Assembly;
Nigel Clarke, Principal Officer, assigned to Economic Policy Unit;
Emily Whelton, promoted to Principal Officer;
Cillian Doyle, assigned as Principal Officer to EU Policy Coherence Unit on an acting-up basis;
Geraldine Butler, Assistant Principal, seconded to position of Head of Protocol in Áras an Uachtaráin following an expressions of interest process; and
Stephanie Harris, Assistant Principal assigned as Head of Finance Unit.

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:

Lorraine Kavanagh, Assistant Principal Officer, assigned to the Citizens’ Assembly;
Sorcha Dempsey, new entrant Administrative Officer, assigned to Brexit Preparedness & Contingency Planning;
David Leavey, Executive Officer (on secondment from Department of Employment Affairs & Social Protection), assigned to Taoiseach’s Constituency Office, Ongar;
Bróna Olwill, Executive Officer, assigned to the Citizens’ Assembly;
Émer Deane, Principal Officer (on secondment from the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade), assigned to International, EU & Northern

Ireland Division;

Ciara Kennedy new entrant Assistant Principal Officer (Higher), assigned

to Climate Change Unit, Economic Division; and

Claire Hayes Curtin, Assistant Principal Officer, assigned temporarily to

Brexit Preparedness & Contingency Planning.

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:

Laura Devaney, Scientific Policy Analyst (on secondment from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment), assigned to Climate Change Unit, Economic Division;
Jean O’Neill, new entrant Assistant Principal (Higher), assigned to Social Policy and Public Service Reform Division;
Michael Bruton, new entrant Administrative Officer (IGEES panel), assigned to Economic Division; and
Bríd Ní Ghruagáin, new entrant Administrative Officer, assigned to International, EU & Northern Ireland Division.

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:

Robert Earley, new entrant Clerical Officer, assigned to Climate Action Unit, Economic Division; and
Gaye Malone, Higher Executive Officer assigned to Citizens’ Assembly.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer

MAC Minutes Quarter 4 2019

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:

Aisling Costello, new entrant Higher Executive Officer, assigned to International, EU and Northern Ireland Division.

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:

Deborah Lennon Sheils, new entrant Clerical Officer, assigned to International, EU and Northern Ireland Division;
Eric Keegan, new entrant Clerical Officer, assigned to Citizens’ Assembly; and
David Leavey, Higher Executive Officer (interdepartmental panel), assigned temporarily to the Taoiseach’s Constituency Office.

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:

Maeve Kelleher, Executive Officer (returning from special leave of absence), assigned to Finance Unit, Corporate Affairs Division; and 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:

Internal competition for Services Officer to be advertised shortly; and
Darren Greene, new entrant Administrative Officer, assigned temporarily to Citizens’ Assembly.

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:

Vicky Murphy, new entrant Clerical Officer, assigned to HR Unit, Corporate Affairs Division.

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:

Gráinne Guinan, Assistant Principal, Department of Defence, assigned as liaison with the National Security Analysis Centre; and
Ellen Stewart and Ciara Reynolds promoted to Assistant Principal Officers with assignments to be confirmed shortly.

Teresa Doolan, Personnel Officer