4. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Taoiseach 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; and 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. [54602/26]

The Department of the Taoiseach currently employs three temporary Presidency Policy Officers on fixed term contracts at Administrative Officer grade. All three officers are based in Government Buildings.

In line with the terms and conditions governing their appointments, these officers are not eligible to apply for internal Civil Service competitions.

All staff in the Department are supported and encouraged to pursue continuous professional development and career progression in the Civil and Public Service, and the experience gained working on the Presidency will be valuable in pursuing future opportunities.