Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 December 2013
35. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of officials in his Department that are receiving the cost of club membership fees, including sports clubs and professional bodies, as part of their contract of employment; the total cost per year to his Department of paying these fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51367/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2013, 23 officials of my Department received the cost of membership of professional bodies related to their professional and technical qualifications necessary for the conduct of their duties. The total cost of this to my Department was €7,870.22 for 2013 (to date), which would be an indicative annual figure. The cost of membership of certain local organisations/bodies may also be paid in respect of officials based at diplomatic missions abroad. These costs are met from official funds only in a small number of exceptional cases, where the membership provides the mission with opportunities for high-level networking with key political contacts or for promotion of Irish business, economic and cultural interests. An example of such memberships is the European Policy Centre in Brussels (annual cost €600). It is not possible within the time available to provide full information on the numbers and costs involved.
