Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
1069. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health the position regarding any mechanism in place within her 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; her views on the merits of such a scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34425/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1216. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the structured role community pharmacies are envisaged to play in the promotion of organ donation awareness throughout the year, given that the clinical lead of Organ Donation Transplant Ireland (details supplied), has specifically identified Ireland's network of over 1,800 community pharmacies as a significantly underutilised asset in embedding organ donation awareness into everyday Irish life; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35184/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1069 and 1216 together.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 34425/26 and 34443/26 together.
The Department of Health supports a range of opportunities for staff to gain experience in EU and international policy environments, including assignments with Ireland’s Permanent Representation in Brussels and Geneva. These roles, such as Health Counsellors and Health Attachés, contribute to advancing Ireland’s interests in EU and wider international health fora.
In addition, opportunities arise for officials to serve as Seconded National Experts (SNEs) within European Union institutions, including the European Commission. These roles are circulated periodically, and suitably qualified staff are encouraged to apply. Such assignments operate within established Civil Service secondment frameworks. In the case of temporary secondments, including SNE roles, officials remain employees of the Civil Service, and arrangements are in place to ensure that pension entitlements, continuity of service and core employment rights are protected in accordance with standard public service provisions.
In relation to permanent roles within EU institutions, these positions are filled through open competitions conducted by the EU institutions themselves. Where a civil servant takes up a permanent post, they generally resign from the Irish Civil Service. In such cases, accrued public service pension benefits are preserved in line with relevant pension arrangements; however, further service does not accrue under the Irish public service pension system, and terms and conditions of employment are thereafter governed by the receiving institution.
I recognise the value of both temporary and permanent opportunities within EU institutions, which support skills development, strengthen professional networks, and enhance Ireland’s capacity to engage effectively in shaping health policy at EU and international level. My Department will continue to encourage participation in such opportunities as part of building capability across the health system.
