Social Policy

Assistant Secretary: John Callinan

Principal Officer: Eileen Kehoe

The primary role of the Social Policy Unit is to support and advise the Taoiseach on social policy matters. The Unit supports the Taoiseach in overseeing progress in implementing the social priorities set out in the revised Programme for Government, and acts as Secretariat for three Cabinet Committees, including chairing the relevant supporting Senior Officials’ Groups.

·        Cabinet Committee on Social Policy

·        Cabinet Committee on Health

·        Cabinet Committee Public Sector Reform

Further information on the membership of the Cabinet Committees is available here.

Through the ‘whole of government’ approach the Unit seeks to add value to social policy considerations and actions by promoting coordination and cohesion across sectoral policies and strategies. 

National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO)

NESDO was established under the National Economic and Social Development Office Act 2006 and is a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach. NESDO’s role is to advise the Taoiseach on all strategic matters relevant to the economic and social development of the State. It is the body corporate for the National Economic and Social Council (NESC). NESC reports to the Taoiseach on strategic issues relating to the efficient development of the economy and the achievement of social justice. It also provides a forum for engagement between the Government and the social partners. NESDO is funded through Grant-in-Aid received from the Vote of the Department of the Taoiseach. The Social Policy Unit is responsible for the Department’s oversight role in relation to the NESDO.  

Further information on the NESDO and NESC is available here www.nesc.ie

Any queries in relation to the work of the Social Policy Unit should be addressed to:

Contact: Economic and Social Policy Division: socialpolicy@taoiseach.gov.ie