Fergus O'Brien
Question:97 Mr. O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the Government will sign the European agreement on au pair placements.
Written Answers. - European Agreement on Au Pair Placements.
The Council of Europe Agreement on Au Pair Placements was opened for signature on 24 November 1969 and has been ratified by the following countries — Denmark, France, Italy, Norway, Spain and Luxembourg.
The agreement provides for the protection of au pairs only within the acceding state. Ireland's accession would not, therefore, increase the protection of Irish au pairs abroad.
The Departments concerned with the welfare of foreign au pairs in Ireland are satisfied that present provision for their welfare is adequate and do not favour the further legislative and administrative machinery which ratification of the agreement would necessitate. For these reasons it is not proposed to sign the agreement.
Irish au pairs going abroad who consult my Department are advised to insist on a written agreement with their host families before leaving the country. While they are abroad they have, of course, available to them the protection and care of the local Irish diplomatic mission. Similarly foreign au pairs coming to the country have the protection of their own diplomatic missions here should the occasion arise.