Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
510. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment 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. [34421/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises the importance of encouraging Irish civil servants to work within and develop a deep understanding of the EU institutions, so as to strengthen Ireland’s capacity to influence European policy development.
Circular 27/2021, the Secondment Policy for the Civil Service, provides for temporary secondments of civil servants to a range of bodies, including European Union institutions and international organisations. Such arrangements are temporary in nature, typically for periods of between two and four years, and are designed to facilitate the development of skills and experience while maintaining a link with the Irish Civil Service.
The Circular supports mobility and participation in EU institutions, including through Seconded National Expert (SNE) arrangements. Pension and related employment matters are considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the terms of the secondment and the relevant superannuation provisions.
The Government’s wider policy approach, as set out in the “A Career for EU” strategy, encourages Irish citizens and civil servants to pursue career opportunities within EU institutions, while recognising such appointments as separate career paths rather than permanent transfers within the Irish Civil Service framework.
Accordingly, while temporary secondment arrangements are supported and facilitated, there is currently no provision for a permanent transfer to an EU institution with full continuity of Irish Civil Service employment and pension rights.
