Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Department and I have great respect for Irish citizens working in various institutions around the world. A number of the affected people were in touch with me directly on my appointment as Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs. This month, I had a meeting with the OSCE Secretary General, Helga Schmid. I was delighted to note that there a number of Irish people at senior level throughout that organisation. It is an important organisation, with a lower profile than it should have.

The Senator mentioned a particular mission in the Ukraine. We know how important and dangerous that can be. The importance of the contribution of Irish citizens is widely recognised and the conditions of employment of these organisations vary. I have been contacted by some of the individuals affected and they have informed me that the conditions of work may not be satisfactory or competitive. This matter is being reviewed. I am confident that a decision will be taken in the coming months.