Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

I reiterate once again this Government’s commitment to increasing the number of Irish officers in EU institutions, as outlined in the programme for Government. We have maintained a strong focus on the implementation of the career for EU strategy to support Irish officials working in EU institutions. The strategy was published in 2021. It was not a to-do list that we are doing now. It was renewed in 2024 through the launch of a new EU recruitment portal for Irish applicants. The Government has dedicated significant resources to supporting Irish representation in the EU institutions, including through central funding for seconded positions and a range of training supports and information sessions for those seeking careers in the institutions. Outreach at career fairs at both secondary and third level, and public advertising for career opportunities, including on social media, have also been a focus and have been successful. I assure the Senator this outreach will continue. We are committed to ongoing engagement and building close relations with the Irish in EU institutions, including a regular programme of outreach in Brussels and events such as the annual SNE conference in Dublin which took place earlier this month. I will also take back some of the suggestions made today to my colleague, Minister of State, Deputy Byrne.