Vol. 509 No. 6
167 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the allowances paid to Irish civilians serving with the OSCE in Kosovo; the way in which these allowances compare with the payments made by other EU Governments; and the proposals, if any, he has for an increase in this regard. [21849/99]
Civilian personnel seconded by national Governments to the OSCE mission in Kosovo are in receipt of a daily allowance from the OSCE of US$128 or £97 approximately. Irish personnel seconded receive this plus a top up allowance which is paid monthly at my discretion. The amount of the top up depends on the level of the job which they are doing. The lowest top up paid to Irish civilian personnel in Kosovo will be the equivalent of $1000 monthly which is broadly equivalent to the salary received by a P2 grade official in the OSCE. Based on a month of 31 days this makes a monthly income of $4,968. Irish personnel in positions carrying a greater level of responsibility would receive a somewhat larger top up.
