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Republic of Ireland Government Bodies

Department of Education and Science external link
The mission of this Department is to provide high-quality education which will (a) enable individuals to achieve their full potential and to participate fully as members of society; and (b) contribute to Ireland's social, cultural and economic development.

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment external link
We will work for Government and the people to equitably grow Ireland's competitiveness and quality employment.

FÁS external link
FÁS is Ireland's national training and employment authority. We aim to promote a more competitive and inclusive knowledge-based economy, in collaboration with our stakeholders, by enhancing the skills and capabilities of individuals and enterprises.

The Department of Agriculture & Food external link
The agriculture and food sectors in Ireland accounts for 8.4% of GDP, 9.5% of employment, 7.12% of total exports and a significant share of Net Foreign Earnings from exports. The future of the sector is vital therefore not only for our rural communities but for the economy as a whole.

The Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism external link
The Department is primarily a policy-making Department in the three sectors of Arts, Sport and Tourism.

Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources external link
The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources has responsibility for the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors and regulates, protects and develops the Marine and Natural Resources of Ireland.

Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs external link
The Department has specific responsibility for a range of functions including: Community Development Programmes; local development; the RAPID programmes for Revitalising Areas by Planning, Investment and Development; coordination of the National Drugs Strategy; volunteering; Rural Development initiatives including CLÁR, LEADER, INTERREG and a number of measures under the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation.

Department of Defence external link
The Department of Defence is one of the Government Departments primarily concerned with ensuring the secure and stable environment necessary for economic growth and development.

The Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government external link
To promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life through protection of the environment and heritage, infrastructure provision, balanced regional development and good local government.

Department of Finance external link
The Department of Finance has a central role in implementing Government policy, in particular the Programme for Government, and in advising and supporting the Minister for Finance and the Government on the economic and financial management of the State and the overall management and development of the public sector.

Department of Foreign Affairs external link
The Mission of the Department of Foreign Affairs is to advance Ireland's interests and values in the European Union and in the wider world, to promote Ireland's contribution to international peace, security and development, to protect its citizens abroad and to pursue reconciliation and partnership on the island of Ireland.

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform external link
To maintain and enhance community security and equality through the development of a range of policies and high quality services which underpin: the protection and assertion of human rights and fundamental freedoms consistent with the common good; the security of the State; an effective and balanced approach to tackling crime; and progress towards the elimination of discrimination and the promotion of equal opportunities and the accommodation of diversity.

Department of Social and Family Affairs external link
The Department formulates appropriate social protection policies and administers and manages the delivery of statutory and non-statutory schemes and services. The Department is responsible for the delivery of a range of social insurance and social assistance schemes including provision for unemployment, illness, maternity, caring, widowhood, retirement and old age. Payments are made to nearly 950,000 people each week with over 1.5 million people directly benefiting from those payments. The budget spend in 2002 was €9.52 billion.

Department of Health and Children external link
The Department of Health and Children's statutory role is to support the Minister in the formulation and evaluation of policies for the health services. It also has a role in the strategic planning of health services. This is carried out in conjunction with the Health Service Executive, voluntary service providers, Government Departments and other interests.

Department of the Taoiseach external link
To provide the Government, Taoiseach and Ministers of State with the support, policy advice and information necessary for the effective conduct of Government and for the dynamic leadership, co-ordination and strategic direction of Government policy.

Department of Transport external link
To ensure the provision, development and regulation of competitive, safe and secure integrated transport services and transport infrastructure for the road, rail, air and maritime transport modes in Ireland.