asked the Minister for External Affairs whether any arrangements have been made with the Zambian Government whereby Army and Garda personnel will be seconded for a term of service in Zambia.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Seconding of Irish Personnel to Zambia.
1.
The answer to the Deputy's question is in the negative.
In August last Zambian officials interviewed some retired and serving members of the Garda Síochána and officers of the Defence Forces who might be interested in taking up posts in the Zambian police force after relinquishing their Irish appointments. While the offer of appointments is a matter between the Zambian authorities and the individuals concerned, I understand that some of those interviewed have recently been offered posts in the Zambian police force.
Is the Taoiseach aware there was an understanding among some of those Garda and Army personnel that they would, in fact, be seconded for a period?
If there was such an understanding, it was not conveyed by the Department of External Affairs or by the other two Departments concerned.