Departmental Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2016

Tuesday, 17 May 2016

Questions (595)

Seán Crowe

Question:

595. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware that staff members of his Department are being discriminated against in terms of mortgage interest relief, special savings incentive accounts, third level education for their children and in other areas as a result of their service for the State abroad; that this is because when they are on a posting abroad they are considered as resident in Ireland for tax and voting purposes but not when it comes to many of the basic entitlements; and if he has plans to end this discrimination. [9800/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

As the Deputy acknowledges, civil servants on assignment abroad are considered to be resident in Ireland for taxation purposes and for electoral purposes.

In 2014, it was also confirmed that the dependent children of officials serving the State abroad, and residing with the official, would be considered resident in Ireland for the purposes of university tuition fees.

In a number of other areas, I am aware that officials have encountered various difficulties on account of periods spent outside the State; for example, the issue of health insurance and lifetime community rating. My Department is currently engaging with staff representatives on these issues with a view to finding a satisfactory way forward.