Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 July 2022
506. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he intends to increase his Department’s representation in Brussels to ensure Ireland’s position is adequately represented in European Council negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38288/22]
View answerMy Department has significant engagement at EU level, which is supported and serviced by the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union in Brussels. The resourcing of this work is kept under review to ensure Ireland’s health interests are adequately promoted and represented within the EU and its institutions. Accordingly, with the agreement of the Department of Foreign Affairs, the staffing complement seconded from the Department of Health to the Permanent Representation in Brussels has increased at times of particular demand, such as during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union and also in response to increased workloads associated with the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Undoubtedly the health area has assumed a greater profile internationally since the experience of COVID-19 and officials in my Department will, in consultation with the Department of Foreign Affairs as appropriate, give due consideration to any associated resourcing needs going forward.
