Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
672. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of staff within her Department who are based in 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 she will make a statement on the matter. [16569/23]
View answerI am advised that there is one full time staff member employed by my Department assigned as the Permanent Representative in the EU. The role of this Attaché is to ensure that there is a full-time resource in Brussels to service the diverse Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media briefs. The Attaché participates in, monitors and reports on developments and liaises with the European Commission, the Council Secretariat and the European Parliament and other state representatives primarily Member State representatives, while keeping close contact with relevant Government Departments and Agencies in Ireland. In that regard the Attaché helps shape Ireland’s approach to EU developments in relation to this Departments functions.
There is one staff member on Special Leave to work with the EU. This role is in DG Brussels translation services.
My Department also administers an Internship Scheme in European Union Institutions. It is administered in co-operation with the European Commission, the European Parliament, the European Council, the Committee of the Regions and the Publications Office.
The scheme is focused on the provision of opportunities for graduates to acquire work placements in the special subject fields of translation, proof-reading and of conference interpreting.
The scheme contributes to the Government’s objective to provide every assistance and support to the European Union in implementing the decision to make Irish a working and official language in the EU, as set out in the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030, which is the policy of the State for the Irish Language. This Department is responsible for co-ordinating its implementation.
Under the scheme, 13 Internships were funded by the Department in 2022/23. Each work placement lasts for a period of between six to ten months and are based in the EU.
- Council of Europe, Brussels – 2 Translators
- European Commission, Brussels – 2 Translators
- European Parliament, Luxembourg – 2 Translators
- Committee of the Regions Brussles, - 2 Translators
- Publications Office Luxembourg – 1 Proof-reader
- European Parliament, Luxembourg – 1 Proof-reader
- European Commission, Brussles – 3 Interpreters
My Department does not at have any vacancies in the EU at present.
My Department was formed in September 2020 following a transfer of functions and therefore I am unable to provide corresponding data for 23 June 2016.
