asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he had any discussions with Mr. Delors regarding the additional staff required for the forthcoming Irish Presidency of the EC especially the number of linguists and other specialist experts; the total number expected to be recruited; and the total cost.
Written Answers. - Additional Staff.
49.
I have not found it necessary to hold discussions on this matter with Mr. Delors.
As far as my own Department are concerned, the additional staff required to deal with European Community business and with European Political Co-operation during the Irish Presidency is being provided essentially from within the Civil Service, both from the Department and through temporary redeployment from other Government Departments. The Secretariat of the Council of the European Communities has a staff of linguists, both translators and interpreters, whose services are available to the Council under each successive Presidency. It will not, therefore, be necessary for my Department to recruit specialists.
Temporary recruitment will be limited to junior staff locally employed by certain offices abroad and is not expected to exceed five persons at a total cost of £40,000.