Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
1404. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health 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 presently vacant; the corresponding figures on 23 June 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16562/23]
View answerWe currently have three members of staff who are based and working with the European Union in Brussels. Their current roles and responsibilities are listed below -
Role: Health Attaché
Responsibilities: To promote, explain and represent Ireland’s health and related interests within the European Union. The Attaché is the primary link between the Department of Health and EU institutions and as such their work is key to ensuring that Ireland plays a successful role in the EU’s legislative, policy formulation and decision-making processes in areas of Departmental responsibility.
Role: Deputy Health Attaché
Responsibilities: To provide support to, and, as necessary, deputise for, the Health Attaché.
Role: Seconded National Expert (SNE) in DG HERA
The Department of Health has also seconded a national expert to the European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (DG HERA) in Brussels. DG HERA's mission is to prevent, detect and rapidly respond to health emergencies at EU level. This SNE participates in the tasks of DG HERA and is based in the Emergency Office Unit within DG HERA.
We are in the process of appointing a Health Counsellor to the Permanent Representative in Brussels to coincide with the upcoming presidency.
In 2016, we had one member of staff based and working with the European Union in Brussels.
