Under our National Implementation Plan for the Civilian CSDP compact, Ireland has committed to explore whether new arrangements can be put in place for serving public servants to deploy from Government Departments to civilian CSDP missions.
I am very proud of the contribution made by all our secondees, who serve with distinction globally and would like to see the options for serving public servants to have the opportunity to serve in civilian crisis management missions broadened. Irish public servants from a wide range of Government Departments and public bodies have the skills, expertise and experience to make an important contribution to Civilian CSDP Missions.
Serving Irish Civil Servants are currently required to take special leave if they wish to take up a position in a Civilian CSDP mission. The potential impact on seniority and pension rights could serve as a disincentive to taking up these positions. This is an issue which my Department will be discussing with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform within the framework of our National Implementation Plan.