Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 April 2022
294. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence the number of staff within his Department who are based and working with the European Union in Brussels; their present roles and responsibilities; the posts and responsibilities that are presently vacant; the corresponding figures on 23 June 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19029/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department currently provides a number of staff to support Ireland’s engagement in the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy and the related EU institutions, including the European External Action Service, the European Defence Agency and the European Commission. To this end, officials from the Department are assigned to the Political and Security Committee (PSC) delegation within the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union. A number of the staff are also double hatted and support Ireland’s engagement in NATO Partnership for Peace through the PfP Liaison Office in Brussels. The total current number of staff within my Department that are based and working in the Permanent Representation in Brussels and in the PfP Liaison Office is five.
The breakdown of grade and numbers are as follows:
|
Grade |
Number |
|
Principal Officer |
1 |
|
Assistant Principal |
1 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
1 |
|
Executive Officer |
1 |
|
Clerical Officer |
1 |
|
Total |
5 |
There is currently one post vacant at the grade of Assistant Principal making a total establishment of six. There has been no change in the numbers serving in Brussels since 2016.
The number of staff within my Department who were based and working in Brussels on 23 June 2016 and the breakdown of numbers and grades are as follows:
|
Grade |
Number |
|
Principal Officer |
1 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
2 |
|
Administrative Officer |
1 |
|
Staff Officer |
1 |
|
Clerical Officer |
1 |
|
Total |
6 |
