Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
1264. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the position regarding any mechanism in place within his Department that allows for civil servants to transfer on secondment to an equivalent role within the European Union, without negatively impacting their pension and other employment rights; his views on the merits of such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34424/26]
View answerThe Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) does not operate a specific mechanism that permits civil servants to transfer permanently to equivalent roles within EU institutions while retaining Irish Civil Service employment and pension rights.
However, if an officer leaves the Civil Service and takes up a permanent role with the EU, they may if they meet the minimum service requirements, receive an award under the Superannuation Acts on reaching the minimum pensionable age. Alternatively, subject to formal resignation from the Civil Service, the officer may opt to have a direct payment made to the EU in respect of their Civil Service superannuation entitlements. The service credit received in the EU in respect of such payment will be determined by the administrative authorities of the EU pension scheme.
Where a staff member undertakes a secondment to an EU institution, they remain employed by the Department, retain a right to return to their substantive post and continue to accrue pension service under their Irish public service pension scheme.
I recognise the value of EU experience and my Department continues to engage with relevant bodies on supporting mobility and career development opportunities for DFHERIS staff.
