Roderic O'Gorman
Question:5. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when she is going to open the next third secretary competition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15594/26]
View answerWednesday, 25 February 2026
Questions (5)
Written answers
Third Secretary is a key recruitment level for the Irish diplomatic service and is an important step towards more senior positions in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The Department seeks to recruit as Third Secretaries graduates who have the necessary personal qualities, skills and attributes to undertake the demanding and varying responsibilities of the position, including representing Ireland abroad. A Third Secretary will typically be involved in a range of public policy work, including the preparation of analysis and research papers, preparing briefing material for Ministers and senior officials, organising and participating in meetings, liaising with Irish embassies, consulates and other diplomatic offices abroad and with other government departments and organisations, in addition to administrative tasks as required.
Publicjobs is the main provider of recruitment services to the Department and to the wider civil service. Competitions for Third Secretary are advertised on the Department’s website and on the publicjobs website which, through an email alert service, notifies potential candidates when jobs of interest to them are advertised. It is expected that a Third Secretary competition will be launched later in 2026.