Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2016
350. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the cost of accommodation for all Irish diplomats worldwide, following on from recent news reports on the high cost of the Irish ambassador's residence in Japan, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30541/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total figure for 2015 for accommodation for approximately 350 public servants posted overseas with their dependents to Ireland’s diplomatic missions is €12,761,000. The figure spent to date in 2016 is €9,556,000. These figures include the rental costs of official accommodation for Heads of Mission and the rent reimbursements provided to other officers where necessary. These figures also include certain costs which will be charged back to other Departments, as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade oversees the posting of officers seconded in from other Departments to serve at our missions overseas, e.g. at the Permanent Representation in Brussels.
There is currently a total of forty-eight properties rented by the State for Heads of Mission abroad - seven under Vote 27 and forty-one under Vote 28. These normally serve as both homes and as locations for Irish community, business and cultural promotional events to advance Ireland’s strategic interests. In this the Embassies frequently partner with State Agency partners.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade also provides officers who serve the State abroad with rent reimbursements to enable them to rent suitable accommodation at post if required. Rent reimbursement is only provided to officers who are not eligible to reside in State-provided accommodation.
Officers receiving rent reimbursement remain personally responsible for all payments in respect of beneficial services such as heating, electricity, telephone, internet, etc. in the same manner as would apply when they are based in Ireland.
Rent reimbursements are fixed for the duration of an officer’s assignment abroad, apart from provisions provided for in leases for mandatory cost of living index increases. Fluctuations occur due to currency changes and some rents may be paid over a 2 year period instead of monthly, based on local requirement.
The Department uses an independent advisory service to provide advice on appropriate rent levels in the locations in which it is based around the world. The primary criterion in assessing rent reimbursement level is the size of an officer’s family. Other possible considerations would be to ensure safe and secure locations, proximity to schools and the Mission, as well as general health and safety concerns. Assessments are also made as to the representational/promotional work associated with particular posts and if the property is likely to be frequently used for promotional work.
Many of our officers posted abroad are accompanied by their family, an important requirement which must be taken into account when determining an officer’s rent ceiling. Staff numbers posted abroad fluctuate during the year, as staffing requirements can change.
Cost of Accommodation Officers at Irish Missions Overseas
|
Year |
Vote 27 |
Vote 28 |
Total |
|
2015 |
€1,528,000 |
€11,233,000 |
€12,761,000 |
|
2016 (to date) |
€1,274,000 |
€8,282,000 |
€9,556,000 |
Ireland’s approach to these issues is broadly consistent to that taken by comparable EU foreign ministries.
