asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether our Embassy staff abroad are paid in foreign currency; and if so the loss to the State due to exchange rate fluctuations in the years ending 31 December 1982 and 31 December 1983.
Written Answers. - Embassy Staff Salaries.
518.
The salaries and allowances of home based officers posted abroad are fixed in Irish pounds, are converted into local currency as appropriate and are paid through the Embassy account. Locally recruited staff abroad are paid in local currency.
The approximate loss to the Exchequer arising from exchange rate fluctuations in the case of both locally and home based officers in the year ended 31 December 1982 is estimated at £104,000; and for the year ended 31 December 1983 at £296,000.