Second Secretary General for International, EU and Northern Ireland

European Union - Assistant Secretary: Helen Blake

EU Policy Coherence Unit works to ensure whole-of-government coherence in cross-cutting EU policies, providing overview and strategic focus in areas including the Union’s budget (MFF), eurozone matters, the internal market and trade and the European Semester.

EU Strategic Planning Unit supports the Taoiseach as a member of the European Council, including on the Article 50 Brexit process, and provides oversight and strategic direction on policy issues including migration, security and defence, and external relations. It also works to develop our strategic engagement with EU partners and supports the work of Cabinet Committee C.

International - Assistant Secretary: Helen Blake

International Unit advises the Taoiseach on international policy and supports his international engagements as a Head of Government, working with him to support economic growth, trade, investment and job creation, as well as protecting and strengthening Ireland's strategic relationships, interests and reputation overseas.

Britain and Northern Ireland - Assistant Secretary: Aingeal O'Donoghue

Britain and Northern Ireland Division supports the work of the Taoiseach and Government in helping to maintain peace and develop new relationships on the island of Ireland and between Britain and Ireland.

The Division deals with all aspect of British-Irish relations and, in particular, the impact of Brexit on Northern Ireland affairs and North-South cooperation, as well as relations with the devolved administrations and supports the work of Cabinet Committee C (EU and Brexit) on these issues.

The Division supports the Taoiseach and Government’s work, with the British Government, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement and its institutions. This includes in particular supporting the Taoiseach’s participation in the North South Ministerial Council, which can meet when a Northern Ireland Executive is in place, and the British Irish Council as key institutions of the Good Friday Agreement.

The Division also has a role, along with other areas within the Department and other Government Departments, in contributing to the oversight and development of the State’s commemorations programme for the Decade of Centenaries.