294. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of EU Presidency policy and administrative officers now employed on temporary contracts across his Department, in Ireland and abroad; if these individuals can apply to internal civil service competitions for these temporary contracts; the plans being developed to retain these individuals once their contracts cease, given they will have extensive and intimate knowledge of EU and Irish institutional operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54592/26]

My Department currently employs 21 temporary Presidency Policy Officers at Administrative Officer grade to support Ireland's preparations for and delivery of the EU Presidency.

These appointments are temporary and are due to conclude on 31 December 2026. As the appointments were established to meet the specific and time-bound requirements associated with the EU Presidency, there are no plans to retain these officers beyond the expiry of their contracts.

In line with the terms and conditions governing their appointments, these officers are not eligible to apply for internal Civil Service competitions. They are, however, eligible to apply for open recruitment competitions conducted by Public Jobs, where they may compete on the same basis as any other eligible applicant. The experience gained in these roles will also provide them with valuable and credible examples of skills, competencies and achievements that can be drawn upon when applying for future opportunities.