Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 November 2012
398. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of officials by grade in her Department that will be working solely on the Presidency for the remainder of 2012; if redeployment or promotion has occurred; if they will be paid any additional allowances or pay; the way these officials were selected; if the selection procedure gave rise to any complaints; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50022/12]
View answerNo additional staff members have been appointed to work solely on the planning of EU Presidency within my Department. The preparatory work is being done on a part-time basis by staff members who are already working on EU related matters or on policy matters that will feature on the agenda of the Presidency.
In terms of full-time staff, one Higher Executive Officer (HEO), an existing member of staff in the EU/ International Section, has been assigned full time to Presidency duties. A second HEO has been assigned from the normal internal promotion panel to do the work usually done by this HEO. In addition, one Clerical Officer will shortly be redeployed to the EU Unit to assist with the organisation of meetings during the Presidency. In addition to these full-time staff, an additional Principal Officer has been assigned to spend 50% of his time on Presidency-related business.
One Assistant Principal (AP) was assigned to the Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels for the duration of the Presidency and will also work on other on-going EU related matters on behalf of the Department. No competition was held for this assignment as the person involved moved from another role in Brussels. They are receiving the normal Dept. of Foreign Affairs allowances for officials assigned to Brussels.
No competitions were held for any of the above positions and no complaints have been received.
