MAC Minutes 2021

MAC Minutes Quarter 1 2021
Mac Minutes Quarter 2 2021
Mac Minutes Quarter 3 2021
Mac Minutes Quarter 4 2021

MAC Minutes Quarter 1 2021

Monday 11th January 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Andrew Munro, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Update on the whole-of-Government response to COVID-19, including the full Level 5 restrictions of the Plan for Living with COVID-19 in place nationally, and rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine;
Update on Brexit matters;
The Department’s annual PMDS and LEADS process; and
Reminded staff that given the level 5 restrictive measures in place, they should continue to work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend the workplace.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:

Harry Moylan, new entrant Executive Officer (open communications panel), assigned to the Government Information Service.

Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer

Monday 18th January 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Andrew Munro, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Update on the whole-of-Government response to COVID-19;
Update on Brexit matters;
Publication of the Final Report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes last week;
Preparations for this week’s European Council meeting;
The Department’s end December 2020 vote position;
Preparations for a meeting of Departmental Council later today;
Results of the COVID-19 module of the 2020 Civil Service Employee Engagement Survey;
Annual obligations under the Ethics in Public Office Acts; and
Secretary General meeting with staff via videoconference on Wednesday 20th January 2021.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:

Given the level 5 restrictive measures in place, staff should continue to work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend the workplace.

Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer

Monday 8th February 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Andrew Munro, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Whole-of-Government response to COVID-19, including update on the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine;
Update on EU and Brexit matters;
Preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Housing later today;
Update on Economic matters, including last week’s meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Investment;
Social Dialogue, including preparations for a meeting of the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF) later this week;
The Department’s Annual Business Planning process;
PMDS and encouraged all staff to complete their end-of-year reviews by Friday, 26th February;
Homeworking health and safety staff diagnostic questionnaire to be issued to all staff this week; and
The Department’s Children First Act 2015 Annual Compliance Report.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:

Given the level 5 restrictive measures in place, staff should continue to work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend the workplace;
Lena Jacobs, promoted to Assistant Principal (open panel), temporarily assigned to the Citizens’ Assembly; and
Christina Downey, Higher Executive Officer, appointed to the role of Assistant Private Secretary to the Taoiseach.

Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer

Monday 15th February 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Andrew Munro, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Whole-of-Government response to COVID-19;
Update on EU and Brexit matters;
Social Dialogue, including update from last week’s meeting of the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF);
Preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Environment and Climate Change on Monday, 22nd February;
The Department’s Annual Business Planning process;
The Department’s draft Strategy Statement;
PMDS and encouraged all staff to complete their end-of-year reviews by Friday, 26th February; and
Meeting of the Department’s Green Committee tomorrow to discuss the Department’s Resource Efficiency Action Plan.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:

Given the level 5 restrictive measures in place, staff should continue to work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend the workplace;
Internal competition for Private Secretary to the Government Chief Whip to be advertised shortly; and
Michelle Hendricken, promoted to Higher Executive Officer (internal panel), assigned to Northern Ireland Division.

Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer

Monday 22nd February 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Andrew Munro, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Whole-of-Government response to COVID-19, including work on the updated framework for living with COVID-19 and rollout of the vaccine;
Preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Environment and Climate Change later today;
Update on Brexit matters;
Preparations for this week’s European Council meeting;
The Department’s end January 2021 vote position;
PMDS and encouraged all staff to complete their end-of-year reviews by Friday, 26th February; and
MAC meeting with Principal Officers via videoconference on Thursday 25th February 2021.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:

Given the level 5 restrictive measures in place, staff should continue to work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend the workplace.

Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer

Monday 1st March 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.

Apologies: Andrew Munro

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Whole-of-Government response to COVID-19, including update on the rollout of the vaccine;
Update from last week’s European Council meeting;
Preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Investment later today;
Update from last week’s meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Environment and Climate Change;
Update on Social Dialogue;
Preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Brexit and Northern Ireland on Thursday; and
The Department’s annual PMDS process.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:

Given the level 5 restrictive measures in place, staff should continue to work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend the workplace; and
Call for expressions of interest in the Autumn 2021 National Experts in Professional Training (NEPT) Programme.

Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer

Monday 8th March 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Andrew Munro, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.

Also in attendance: Ciara Reynolds

Ciara Reynolds, Finance Officer, made a presentation to MAC on the impact of COVID-19 on the Department’s control environment.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Whole-of-Government response to COVID-19, including update on the rollout of the vaccine;
Preparations for the Taoiseach’s upcoming virtual St Patrick’s Day engagements;
Update on Brexit matters;
The Department’s draft Resource Efficiency Action Plan which is currently being finalised by the Department’s Green Committee; and
The Department’s annual PMDS process.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:

Given the level 5 restrictive measures in place, staff should continue to work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend the workplace.

Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer

Monday 22nd March 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Andrew Munro, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Whole-of-Government response to COVID-19, including update on the rollout of the vaccine;
Update from the Taoiseach’s virtual St Patrick’s Day engagements last week and thanked all those who assisted with the virtual events from Government Buildings;
EU matters, including preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Europe later today and preparations for this week’s European Council meeting;
Economic matters, including updates on Climate Action, Housing, the Stability Programme Update and the review of the National Development Plan; and
The Department’s end February 2021 vote position.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:

Sorcha Ní Dhúill, appointed to the role of Private Secretary to the Government Chief Whip;
Katie Downes, Executive Officer, assigned to the Office of the Government Chief Whip;
Leslie Hamilton, promoted to Higher Executive Officer (internal panel), assigned temporarily to the Office of the Government Chief Whip;
Paula Murray, Higher Executive Officer, assigned to Social Policy and Public Service Reform Division;
Internal competition for promotion to Executive Officer to be advertised shortly; and
Given the level 5 restrictive measures in place, staff should continue to work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend the workplace.

Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer

Mac Minutes Quarter 2 2021

Thursday 1st April 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Andrew Munro, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Whole-of-Government response to COVID-19, including update on the rollout of the vaccine;
Preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Environment and Climate Change later today;
Finalisation of the Department’s Resource Efficiency Action Plan 2021; and
Submission of the Department’s 2020 Appropriation Account to the C&AG before the end March deadline.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:

Christine Martin, Cleaner, assigned to Corporate Affairs Division;
Lucia Saputo, Cleaner, assigned to Corporate Affairs Division; and
Given the level 5 restrictive measures in place, staff should continue to work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend the workplace.

Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer

Monday 12th April 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Andrew Munro, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Whole-of-Government response to COVID-19, including update on the rollout of the vaccine, mandatory hotel quarantine and the changes to restrictions this week;
Recent developments in Northern Ireland;
Update on Policing Reform and Community Safety;
Economic matters, including preparations for upcoming meetings of two Cabinet Committees this week on Economic Recovery and Investment and on Housing;
Update from the recent meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Environment and Climate Change; and
Staffing Issues.

Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer

Monday 19th April 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Andrew Munro, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Whole-of-Government response to COVID-19, including update on the rollout of the vaccine and mandatory hotel quarantine;
The Citizens’ Assembly on Gender Equality;
Northern Ireland;
Economic matters, including updates on Economic Recovery and Investment, Housing, the Stability Programme Update and Climate Change;
Brexit;
Preparations for the Taoiseach's appearance before the Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach next week; and
The Department’s end March 2021 vote position.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:

Ciarán Desmond, Assistant Principal, Department of Defence, assigned as liaison with the National Security Analysis Centre; and
Given the public health measures currently in place, staff should continue to work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend the workplace.

Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer

Monday 26th April 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Andrew Munro, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Whole-of-Government response to COVID-19, including update on the rollout of the vaccine and preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on COVID-19 later this week;
Northern Ireland;
The Citizens’ Assembly on Gender Equality;
The 2021 programme of commemorations under the Decade of Centenaries (2022-2023); and
Next steps in the homeworking health and safety staff diagnostic questionnaire process.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:

Lena Jacobs, Assistant Principal, assigned to Economic Division;
Leslie Hamilton, Higher Executive Officer, assigned to Corporate Affairs Division; and
Given the public health measures currently in place, staff should continue to work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend the workplace.

Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer

Monday 10th May 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Andrew Munro, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Whole-of-Government response to COVID-19, including update on the rollout of the vaccine;
EU matters, including update from last week’s European Council meeting;
Preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Environment and Climate Change later today;
Economic matters, including updates on Economic Recovery and Investment, the National Development Plan and Housing;
Preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Education later this week;
Launch of ‘A Career for EU’ strategy last week;
Publication of the results of the 2020 Civil Service Employee Engagement Survey on Friday 14th May 2021; and
Secretary General meeting with staff via videoconference on Wednesday 12th May 2021.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:

Kevin O’Farrell, Assistant Principal, joining on mobility, assigned to Northern Ireland Division; and
Given the public health measures currently in place, staff should continue to work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend the workplace.

Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer

Monday 17th May 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Andrew Munro, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Whole-of-Government response to COVID-19, including update on the rollout of the vaccine;
Economic matters, including update on Housing;
The recent cyber-attack on the Health Service;
British-Irish relations, including the Taoiseach’s recent meeting with the British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson; and
Preparations for the upcoming European Council meeting on 24th and 25th May 2021.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:

Given the public health measures currently in place, staff should continue to work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend the workplace.

Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer

Monday 24th May 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Andrew Munro, Dermot Woods, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.

Apologies: Aingeal O’Donoghue

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Whole-of-Government response to COVID-19, including update on the rollout of the vaccine;
Preparations for this week’s European Council meeting;
Economic matters, including update on Housing and preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Investment on Thursday;
The recent cyber-attack on the Health Service;
Social Dialogue;
Northern Ireland;
Recent launch of the new 10-year Civil Service Renewal Strategy and related matters;
The Department’s Risk Register; and
The Department’s end April 2021 vote position.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:

Given the public health measures currently in place, staff should continue to work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend the workplace.

Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer

Monday 31st May 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Andrew Munro, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Whole-of-Government response to COVID-19, including update on the rollout of the vaccine;
Update from last week’s European Council meeting;
Economic matters, including update on Housing and finalisation of the Government’s Economic Recovery Plan;
Preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Environment and Climate Change later today;
Northern Ireland;
The Department’s results in the Civil Service Employee Engagement Survey 2020; and
Preparations for a meeting of the Departmental Council later today.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:

Roisin Hunt, new entrant Clerical Officer, assigned to Social Policy and Public Service Reform Division; and
Given the public health measures currently in place, staff should continue to work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend the workplace.

Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer

Monday 14th June 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Andrew Munro, Dermot Woods, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.

Apologies: Aingeal O’Donoghue

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Update on Housing, including preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Housing next Monday;
Whole-of-Government response to COVID-19, including update on the rollout of the vaccine;
Northern Ireland, including update from last week’s meeting of the British Irish Council in Fermanagh;
Brexit Matters;
Preparations for next week’s European Council meeting;
Issues relating to NESDO; and
The Department’s end May 2021 vote position.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:

Bróna Olwill, Executive Officer, assigned to the Shared Island Unit;
Elaine O’Carroll, Executive Officer, assigned to the Office of the Minister of State for European Affairs;
Emma Sambrooks, Executive Officer, assigned to International, EU and Northern Ireland Division;
Eric Keegan, Clerical Officer, assigned to Social Policy and Public Service Reform Division;
Julianne Grehan, promoted to Executive Officer (internal panel), assigned to the Office of the Government Chief Whip;
Kristopher O’Toole, new entrant Clerical Officer, assigned to Finance Unit, Corporate Affairs Division;
Mary Carroll, new entrant Clerical Officer, assigned to the Shared Island Unit;
Brian Dooley, Clerical Officer, assigned to Social Policy and Public Service Reform Division;
Edelle O’Flaherty, promoted to Executive Officer (internal panel), assigned to Economic Division; and
Given the public health measures currently in place, staff should continue to work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend the workplace.

Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer

Monday 21st June 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, Aingeal O’Donoghue, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Andrew Munro, Dermot Woods, Denis Breen.

Apologies: Stephanie Harris.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Update on Economic matters including preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Housing today;
Recent developments in Northern Ireland;
Whole-of-Government response to COVID-19, including update on the rollout of the vaccine;
Update on Brexit Matters;
Preparations for this week’s European Council meeting;
Completion of the Department’s Equality and Human Rights Assessment under the Public Sector Duty;
Secretary General meeting with staff via videoconference on Tuesday 22nd June 2021;
Given the public health measures currently in place, staff should continue to work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend the workplace.

Denis Breen, Head of Corporate Affairs

Monday 28th June 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, Aingeal O’Donoghue, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Andrew Munro, Dermot Woods, Denis Breen.

Apologies: Stephanie Harris.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Update on Economic matters including Housing;
National Economic Dialogue 2021 which commences today;
Preparations for meeting of Cabinet Committee on Environment and Climate Change this week;
Whole-of-Government response to COVID-19;
Update on recent European Council meeting;
Recent developments in Northern Ireland;
Update on recent meeting of Civil Service Management Board, including discussions on Blended Working in the Civil Service;
2020 Annual Report of the Department’s Audit Committee;
Completion of the Department’s 2020 Appropriation Account by the Comptroller and Auditor General; and
Given the public health measures currently in place, staff should continue to work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend the workplace.

Denis Breen, Head of Corporate Affairs

Mac Minutes Quarter 3 2021

Monday 5th July 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Whole-of-Government response to COVID-19, including update on the vaccination programme;
Update on developments in Northern Ireland and on Brexit;
Update on Housing, including preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Housing later today;
Update on progress with the National Development Plan (NDP) review and Climate Action Plan;
Preparations for a plenary meeting of the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF) later today; and
The Civil Service Excellence and Innovation Awards.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:

Shauna Scanlon, new entrant Clerical Officer, assigned to the Taoiseach’s Private Office; and
Given the public health measures currently in place, staff should continue to work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend the workplace.

Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer

Monday 12th July 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.

Apologies: John Callinan

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Update on Housing;
Whole-of-Government response to COVID-19, including update on the Digital COVID Certificate (DCC);
Economic matters, including preparations for upcoming Summer Economic Statement;
Update on developments in Northern Ireland;
Preparations for visit to Ireland by the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, later this week;
Preparation of draft National Risk Assessment 2021;
The Department’s end June 2021 Vote Position; and
The Department’s draft Annual Report for 2020.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:

Lynda Harte, new entrant Administrative Officer (HR panel), assigned to Corporate Affairs Division; and
Given the public health measures currently in place, staff should continue to work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend the workplace.

Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer

Monday 19th July 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Update on EU and Brexit matters;
Economic matters, including updates on the Summer Economic Statement, Housing and Climate Action;
Whole-of-Government response to COVID-19, including update on the rollout of the Digital COVID Certificate (DCC);
Update on developments in Northern Ireland;
The Department’s mid-year review PMDS process is now underway supported by an HR information session for staff this Tuesday; and
Secretary General meeting with staff via videoconference on Monday 26th July 2021 at 11am.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:

Aedín Donnelly, new entrant Assistant Principal (open communications panel), assigned to the Government Information Service; and
Given the public health measures currently in place, staff should continue to work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend the workplace.

Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer

Monday 26th July 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Whole-of-Government response to COVID-19, including update on the rollout of the Digital COVID Certificate;
Update on developments in Northern Ireland including preparations for next meeting of the North South Ministerial Council;
Economic matters, including updates on Housing and Climate Action;
Update on EU and Brexit matters;
Secretary General meeting with staff via videoconference on this morning.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:

George Burke to be assigned as the Deputy Secretary General to the President following the recent competition; and
Given the public health measures currently in place, staff should continue to work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend the workplace.

Denis Breen, Head of Corporate Affairs

Thursday 2nd September 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.

Apologies: Elizabeth Canavan

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Preparations for a phased return to the workplace after 20th September 2021;
Staffing issues;
Update on the whole-of-Government response to COVID-19, including the next phase, COVID-19: Reframing the Challenge, Continuing our Recovery and Reconnecting;
Launch of the Government’s Housing for All plan later today;
Northern Ireland, including the Taoiseach’s recent meeting with the DUP leader;
Visit of French President, Emmanuel Macron, last week and expressed appreciation to all those involved;
Department’s 2022 Estimates process is underway; and
Secretary General meeting with staff via videoconference on Tuesday 7th September 2021 at 11am.

MAC also noted the following:

Eoin O’Mahony, new entrant Administrative Officer (IGEES), assigned to Economic Division;
Liam Harding, Assistant Principal, joining on mobility, assigned to Social Policy and Public Service Reform Division;
Patricia Brady, Assistant Principal, joining on mobility, assigned to International, EU and Northern Ireland Division; and
In line with the current public health guidance, staff should continue to work from home unless necessary to attend the workplace.

Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer

Monday 13th September 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Proposed arrangements for a phased return of Departmental staff to the workplace after 20th September 2021, including updated health and safety measures;
Update on the whole-of-Government response to COVID-19;
The resumption of the Oireachtas this week and the Autumn Legislation Programme;
Economic Matters, including Housing, Climate Action, the National Development Plan (NDP), and Budget 2022;
Update on Northern Ireland, including last week’s visit by EU Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič;
Brexit matters;
Preparations for the Taoiseach’s visit to New York next week where he will chair a meeting of the UN Security Council; and
The Department’s end July and August 2021 Vote Position.

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

Barry Vaughan, Principal Officer, assigned to Social Policy and Public Service Reform Division;
Conor Ó Raghallaigh, Principal Officer, joining on redeployment from the President’s Establishment, assigned to Climate Action Unit, Economic Division;
Eileen Hearne, Principal Officer, assigned to Economic Division;
Mary Clare O’Sullivan, Principal Officer, returning from the Citizens’ Assembly, assigned to Britain and Northern Ireland Division;
Helena Keleher, First Secretary, joining on secondment from the Department of Foreign Affairs, assigned to International, EU, and Northern Ireland Division;
Julia Mihaes, Cleaner, assigned to Corporate Affairs Division;
Yvonne Jackson, Assistant Principal, returning from career break, temporarily assigned to Corporate Affairs Division; and
In line with the current public health guidance, staff should continue to work from home unless necessary to attend the workplace.

Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer

Monday 20th September 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.

Apologies: Helen Blake

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Update on the phased return of Departmental staff to the workplace;
The whole-of-Government response to COVID-19;
Economic Matters, including Housing, Climate Action, the National Development Plan (NDP), and Budget 2022;
The Taoiseach’s visit to New York this week;
Update on Northern Ireland; and
The Department’s Refund of Fees Scheme.

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

Mary Keenan, Principal Officer, assigned to the Government Information Service;
Call for expressions of interest in the March 2022 National Experts in Professional Training (NEPT) Programme; and
Call for expressions of interest in the Young Ireland Programme 2021.

Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer

Monday 27th September 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Stephanie Harris.

Apologies: Denis Breen

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

Update from the Taoiseach’s visit to New York last week;
Update on the whole-of-Government response to COVID-19;
Economic Matters, including Housing, Climate Action, Budget 2022 and finalisation of the National Development Plan (NDP);
Update on Northern Ireland;
Preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Investment later this week; and
Preparations for the Taoiseach’s attendance at the EU-Western Balkans summit in Slovenia next week.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues including:

Plans to offer the flu vaccine to all staff in the coming weeks.

Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer

Mac Minutes Quarter 4 2021

Monday 11th October 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Economic Matters, including updates on Climate Action, the National Development Plan (NDP) and Budget 2022;

• Update on the whole-of-Government response to COVID-19;

• Northern Ireland, including an update from the Taoiseach’s visit to Belfast last week;

• Brexit matters;

• Update on the Taoiseach’s attendance at informal European Council and Western Balkans Summit in Slovenia last week; and

• The Department’s 2022 Estimate provision.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues including:

• Update on the phased return of Departmental staff to the workplace; and

• Plans for staff engagement over the coming months on a number of interrelated Strategic HR policies and programmes.

Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer

Monday 18th October 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.

Apologies: Elizabeth Canavan, Aingeal O’Donoghue.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Update on the whole-of-Government response to COVID-19;

• Preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Environment and Climate Change later today;

• Preparations for this week’s European Council meeting;

• Brexit matters;

• The Department’s end September 2021 Vote Position; and

• Meeting of the Departmental Council later today.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:

• Update on the phased return of Departmental staff to the workplace; and

• Plans for staff engagement over the coming months on a number of interrelated Strategic HR policies and programmes beginning with staff consultation on the Civil Service Employee Engagement Survey 2020 Action Plan and the Department’s Health and Wellbeing Programme.

Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer

Wednesday 3rd November 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, Elizabeth Canavan, Aingeal O’Donoghue, John Shaw, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Denis Breen.

Apologies: John Callinan, Stephanie Harris.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Preparations for meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Environment and Climate Change today;

• Update on the Taoiseach’s attendance at the COP26 Climate Conference Summit;

• Economic matters including Housing and recent meeting of Labour Employer Economic Forum;

• Update on Brexit;

• Whole-of-Government response to COVID-19.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:

• Killian McPhillips, promoted to Executive Officer (open panel), temporarily assigned to the Private Office;

• Secretary General VC meeting with staff planned for Wednesday 10 November at 11am.

Denis Breen, Head of Corporate Affairs

Monday 8th November 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Update on the whole-of-Government response to COVID-19;

• Brexit Matters;

• Economic Matters, including Climate Action Plan 2021 which was launched last week; and

• Preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Health later today.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:

• Victoria Enright, 6-month Graduate Placement, temporarily assigned to Human Resources Unit; and

• Secretary General meeting with staff via videoconference on Wednesday 10th November at 11am.

Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer

Monday 15th November 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Brexit matters;

• Northern Ireland, including the Taoiseach’s attendance at Sunday’s Annual Remembrance Day ceremonies in Enniskillen and preparations for next week’s meeting of the British-Irish Council;

• Economic matters, including updates on Housing, Energy Supply issues and Inflation;

• Update on Climate Action;

• Preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Housing later today;

• Update on the whole-of-Government response to COVID-19;

• Update from last week’s meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Health; and

• NESDO request for IT support.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:

• Oisín Ward, new entrant Clerical Officer, assigned to the Office of the Government Chief Whip;

• Internal competition for Assistant Private Secretary to the Taoiseach to be advertised shortly; and

• Internal competition for promotion to Assistant Principal Officer to be advertised shortly.

Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer

Monday 29th November 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.

Apologies: Helen Blake

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Update on the whole-of-Government response to COVID-19;

• Brexit Matters;

• Economic Matters;

• The National Risk Assessment 2021-2022;

• The Department’s Corporate Procurement Plan 2021-2023; and

• The Department’s end October 2021 Vote Position.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:

• Catherine Kelly, new entrant Clerical Officer, assigned to Social Policy and Public Service Reform Division;

• Darren Greene, Administrative Officer, assigned to Social Policy and Public Service Reform Division; and

• Given the public health measures currently in place, staff should continue to work from home unless necessary to attend the workplace.

Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer

Monday 6th December 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.

Apologies: Dermot Woods

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Economic Matters, including preparations for meetings of the Cabinet Committee on Housing and the Cabinet Committee on Environment and Climate Change this week;

• Brexit Matters;

• Update on the whole-of-Government response to COVID-19;

• Shared Island Week of events, including the Shared Island Forum this Thursday which will be led by the Taoiseach;

• Preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Health later this week;

• Update on the annual transfer of Departmental records to the National Archives; and

• Secretary General meeting with staff via videoconference on Wednesday 8th December 2021.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:

• Given the public health measures currently in place, staff should continue to work from home unless necessary to attend the workplace.

Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer

Monday 13th December 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Elizabeth Canavan, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Update on the whole-of-Government response to COVID-19;

• Preparations for the forthcoming European Council meeting;

• Economic Matters, including preparations for a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Investment later today;

• Brexit Matters;

• Update from the Shared Island Week with thanks to the staff for overseeing a successful week of events; and

• The significant work of staff to ensure the timely transfer of Anglo Irish records 1992-1998 to the National Archives under the amended National Archives Act 2018.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:

• Geraldine Butler, Assistant Principal, returning from secondment, assigned to the Government Information Service; and

• Given the public health measures currently in place, staff should continue to work from home unless necessary to attend the workplace.

Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer

Monday 20th December 2021

Present: Martin Fraser, John Callinan, John Shaw, Helen Blake, Dermot Woods, Aingeal O’Donoghue, Denis Breen, Stephanie Harris.

Apologies: Elizabeth Canavan

MAC discussed a number of issues, including:

• Update on the whole-of-Government response to COVID-19;

• Brexit Matters;

• Economic Matters; and

• The Department’s end November 2021 Vote Position.

MAC also discussed a number of staffing issues, including:

• Given the public health measures currently in place, staff should continue to work from home unless necessary to attend the workplace.

MAC also expressed appreciation to all staff for their hard work and dedication throughout the year.

Stephanie Harris, Personnel Officer