342. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of EU Presidency policy and administrative officers now employed on temporary contracts across her 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 she will make a statement on the matter. [54591/26]

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

This appointment is temporary and is due to conclude on 31 December 2026. As the appointment was established to meet the specific and time-bound requirements associated with the EU Presidency, there are no plans to retain this officer beyond the expiry of that contract.  In line with the terms and conditions governing the appointment, this officer is not eligible to apply for internal Civil Service competitions.

The officer is, however, eligible to apply for open recruitment competitions conducted by Public Jobs, to compete on the same basis as any other eligible applicant. The experience gained in this role will also provide the officer with valuable and credible examples of skills, competencies and achievements that can be drawn upon when applying for future opportunities.