614. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science 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. [54595/26]

The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science currently employs three Presidency Policy Officers at its headquarters in Dublin on fixed-term contracts. These appointments were made to support the planning, preparation and delivery of Ireland's forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

In relation to opportunities for permanent employment within the Department or the wider Civil Service, all appointments must be made in accordance with established Civil Service recruitment policies and procedures. Individuals seeking permanent positions are required to compete through open recruitment processes. Public Jobs is the principal recruitment service provider for the Department and the wider Civil Service. Details of open competitions are published on the Public Jobs website.