Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Council Regulation (EU) No. 1257/2010 on the derogation requires a decision to be made on this issue by December 2015. In our opinion, that would be leaving it too late. The Government would like to be in a position to convey whatever decision we make before the end of 2014. However, discussions are ongoing between officials from my Department and EU institutions regarding this matter. I hope to be in a position to bring proposals to the Government early next year to ensure we meet the deadline well before the end of 2014.

I am sure the Deputy will agree that substantial resources have been made available in preparing for the ending of the derogation whenever that occurs. A total of €11 million has been spent already both on the terminology and training people in the necessary skills. We are also conscious of the importance of having Irish people working at the heart of Europe-----

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