Niall Collins (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 787: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if civil servants from his Department who are members of boards of agencies, including commercial and non-commercial State bodies, or who hold other positions with these agencies under the aegis of his Department, receive a fee, salary or remuneration and expenses for holding such a position or positions; if this is surrendered to his Department as their direct employer; his policy in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31230/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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There are no state agencies operating under the responsibility of my Department. However, there are two Advisory Committees and one Educational Commission, which operate under the aegis of my Department. There are no civil servants serving on these bodies who are in receipt of any specific remuneration for their representation.

The Development Education Advisory Committee was established in 2003 following the recommendations of the Ireland Aid Review Committee. Its purpose is to advise the Minister, Minister of State and Irish Aid on policy regarding development education. All members serve in a voluntary capacity and there are no civil servants serving on this Committee.

The Government Emigrant Services Advisory Committee (previously known as Díon) was set up in 1984 to advise the Government on the welfare of the Irish community in Britain. The Committee's primary role is to advise on the distribution of Government support to voluntary agencies providing front line services and community care to Irish people in Britain. There are two civil servants, officers of the Embassy in London, who serve as the Chair and Secretary of this Committee. They receive no additional remuneration or allowances for their work with the Committee. All other Committee members serve in a voluntary capacity.

The Fulbright Commission (The Board of the Ireland – United States Commission for Educational Exchange) finances study, research, teaching and other educational activities between Ireland and the United States of America. As Minister for Foreign Affairs, I have some statutory obligations in regard to this organisation, including the appointment of four members of the eight-member Commission, who serve in a voluntary capacity. There are no civil servants serving on the Board of this Commission.