Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 April 2022
439. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of staff within his Department who are based and working with the European Union in Brussels; their present roles and responsibilities; the posts and responsibilities that are presently vacant; the corresponding figures on 23 June 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19027/22]
View answerThe Programme for Government emphasises the diversification and development of new markets for the Irish agri-food sector. The success of my Department's diplomatic representation abroad in assisting in the retention, expansion and securing of access to markets is directly related to the support and additional work carried out in my Department’s line divisions at home.
With specific focus on my Department’s resources in Brussels, currently there is one officer deployed at Counsellor level (which is equivalent to Principal Officer grade) and a further two officers are deployed at First Secretary level (which is equivalent to Assistant Principal). On 23 June 2016, there was one officer serving as Counsellor and two officers from my Department serving in First Secretary roles.
From time to time, my Department considers allocating staff to Seconded National Expert (SNE) positions. In selecting SNE posts, my Department gives consideration to achieving a balance between filling these posts and the need to retain key expertise within the Department for ongoing responsibilities. The roles of any SNEs that we approve to be filled are linked to priorities, for example, the Common Agriculture Policy and ensure policy coherence between EU environmental objectives and funding in respect of agriculture and forestry. Currently, there are a total of three officers from my Department assigned to SNE roles. On 23 June 2016 there were three officers from my Department assigned to SNE positions in Brussels.
My Department also utilises the bi-annual National Experts in Professional Training scheme to provide an opportunity to work in the European Commission for limited periods of three to five months. Currently, there is one Administrative Officer from my Department engaged in this role. The skills and experiences acquired by Irish officials during their traineeship have the potential to benefit my Department and facilitate greater understanding of the functioning of European institutions. Participation in this programme is in line with the Government’s overall EU engagement strategy. There was no officer from my Department in such a role on 23 June 2016.
In addition to the above roles, my Department currently has one Executive Officer assigned to the Permanent Representative, Brussels. This officer provides support to my Department officials through attendance and reporting on weekly meetings of the Special Committee on Agriculture, monthly meetings of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council, management of the day-to-day administration within the Agriculture Office, co-ordination of briefing material and logistical organisation. On 23 June 2016 there was also a staff member assigned to this position.
My Department regularly reviews overseas assignments, assessing vacancies in line with workforce planning, to ensure that our presence abroad supports market access and delivers on the expected benefits.
