Civil Service

Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Ceisteanna (693)

Barry Ward

Ceist:

693. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage 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. [34426/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Staff in my Department can avail of the Seconded National Experts (SNE) scheme or the National Expert Professional (NEPT) which provides for staff to be seconded to the EU Institutions. Such placements have no impact on their pension or employment rights. These schemes provide a useful opportunity for staff to gain valuable experience in the EU institutions that they can then bring back to roles with my Department.