Assignment of Responsibilities under the
Public Service Management Act 1997

The International Policy Division is responsible for co-ordinating and monitoring the Department's European and international business, particularly cross cutting issues which may involve a number of divisions and departments.

While the office is based in Dublin, we work closely with our staff in Brussels and Strasbourg.

The Division supports both the Minister and the Department in discharging our EU and Council of Europe responsibilities and in communicating and representing Ireland's interests at various meetings and events.

Key proposals and developments

We also monitor progress on key legislative and policy proposals arising in the Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) area.  We keep abreast of key developments, engaging with other divisions on any issues that may need our attention, ensuring that any requiring our input are identified and are addressed at an early stage.

We coordinate and provide accurate and comprehensive briefing material to ministers to ensure that the Department’s policy positions are maintained and promoted, and that our contribution at meetings is optimised.

We agree policy lines with other divisions as required. We determine overall policy stances on cross-cutting issues, ensuring that these are conveyed in a clear and appropriate fashion at the relevant meetings and events.

Central to our division’s attendance at ministerial meetings is the provision of assistance and advice to the Minister, ensuring she is fully briefed so as to be able to make a full contribution.