Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 April 2023
108. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of staff he has on secondment to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Brussels to assist with Ireland's work at EU Council and it’s the engagement with the EU Commission; the corresponding number of staff on secondment on 23 June 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16917/23]
View answerMy Department supports the Government initiative "A Career for EU”, Ireland’s strategy to increase Irish representation in the European Union's Institutions and Agencies to make sure Ireland maintains its influence within the EU’s institutions for years to come.
My Department currently has total of three officers in Attache roles who are serving in Brussels through secondment to the Department of Foreign Affairs. The corresponding figure on 23rd June 2016 was also three officers. In each of the years in question, one officer was deployed at Counsellor level (which is equivalent to Principal Officer grade) and a further two officers were deployed at First Secretary level (which is equivalent to Assistant Principal grade).
In addition to the above roles, my Department currently has one Executive Officer seconded to the Department of Foreign Affairs and 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 23rd June 2016 there was also one staff member assigned to this position.
From time to time, my Department allocates staff to Seconded National Expert positions and National Expert in Professional Training scheme opportunities. My Department engages with the Department of Foreign Affairs in the promotion and advertisement of these opportunities across my Department. These posts would be additional to the positions described above.
My Department regularly reviews its overseas assignments, assessing vacancies in line with workforce planning, to ensure that our presence abroad supports the national interest, enhances market access and is delivering on the expected benefits.
