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Graduate Support Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 March 2013

Thursday, 28 March 2013

Questions (69)

Brendan Smith

Question:

69. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the initiatives he proposes to take to encourage more Irish graduates to apply for jobs in European Union Institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15886/13]

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Written answers

Since Ireland joined the European Union, Ireland has been well represented in the EU institutions relative to its population, including at very senior level. From 2004 to 2010, however, the annual recruitment competition was only open to the new Member States. Since the reopening of competitions to all EU Member States, there have been a disappointing number of successful Irish candidates. This decline in the number of permanent Irish officials entering the EU institutions is a matter of concern. To address this problem a number of initiatives to promote EU career opportunities have been undertaken. A stakeholders’ group, the EU Careers Committee, has been established which includes representatives of the EU Division of the Department of the Taoiseach and of the Irish Permanent Representation in Brussels, as well as representatives of the Public Appointments Service, European Movement Ireland, the European Commission Representation in Ireland and the European Parliament office in Ireland. The committee works in close cooperation with the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO), the EU’s recruitment service.

In addition, a public information campaign ‘EUJobs’ has been launched, led by the Minister of State for European Affairs. An online presence has been created to provide information and raise awareness about EU career opportunities. This includes a website www.eujobs.ie; twitter @eujobsireland; and facebook EUJobs.ie. A mailing list for those who wish to receive updates and advice has also been set up (EUJobs@taoiseach.ie ).

EU Careers Ambassadors been appointed in all Irish universities. Third-level careers advisory offices have received information about working in the EU institutions. The Minister of State for European Affairs and members of the EU Careers Committee visit universities and other third level institutions to promote EU careers and attend jobs fairs on a regular basis. Training and advice is given to candidates at the various stages of application process for jobs in the EU institutions.

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