Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 March 2010
88 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the recruitment process for the staff of the European External Action Service; if he envisages Irish citizens being afforded an opportunity of applying for such positions; if such positions will be open for public application; and the manner in which the process will be advertised. [13339/10]
View answerThe European External Action Service (EEAS) is an important innovation under the Lisbon Treaty which will support the work of the new High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton. The High Representative has on 25 March presented a proposal for a Council Decision on the organisation and functioning of the EEAS and discussion will soon commence on this.
As regards the staffing of EEAS posts, the Treaty provides that the EEAS will comprise officials from relevant departments of the Commission and the Council Secretariat, as well as staff seconded from national diplomatic services of the Member States. The High Representative's forthcoming proposals will include proposals for the staff recruitment process. Appropriate amendments will also need to be made to the EU's Staff Regulations.
As I indicated in my reply to parliamentary questions last month, the EEAS recruitment process should be open, transparent and merit-based while also ensuring that EEAS staffing is representative of the diversity of the Union. These points were made again on 22 March when Ministers in the General Affairs and Foreign Affairs Councils had a useful, wide-ranging discussion with High Representative Ashton.
Irish candidates will be able to compete for positions within the EEAS on an equal footing with those from other Member States. My Department has sought general expressions of interest from officials in our own foreign service in seeking positions in the EEAS. It is not yet clear how the EEAS will advertise the posts available but as the recruitment procedures are developed, steps will be taken to ensure that qualified Irish candidates are fully informed.
Separately, a limited number of posts vacant in EU missions abroad this year have been opened to competition and the details have been circulated to qualified staff.
The overall size of the EEAS is still under consideration and it will be some years before it reaches full operational strength. Staffing from the member States, including Ireland, is likely to start modestly. However, over time there will be a real benefit to the State through the experience gained by the rotation of Irish officials between the EEAS and the Irish diplomatic service. I look forward to Irish candidates of the highest calibre being recruited into the new Service.
