387. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection 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. [54601/26]

My Department has not employed any EU Presidency Policy and Administrative officers on temporary contracts in Ireland.

In the Permanent Representation in Brussels, an additional Presidency Policy Officer and Administrative are employed, on fixed term contracts for the duration of the Presidency, to provide support to the Department of Social Protection's EU team, given the additional work associated with Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the EU between now and the end of 2026.  These temporary staff are employed by the Department of Foreign Affairs, with costs paid by the DSP vote.  It is not envisaged that my Department will continue to require this additional  policy or administrative support in the Permanent Representation, post the Presidency.

Open recruitment competitions organised by Public Jobs provide opportunities for careers in the public and civil service and should be of particular interest to those who are currently in these temporary posts but who wish to pursue a career in the public or civil service.

I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.