Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 37: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the scheduled cost in 2009 of foreign service allowances; the justification for their existence and cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31776/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The purpose of Foreign Service Allowances is to defray certain additional expenses which officers may experience as a consequence of serving abroad at an Irish diplomatic mission. The extent to which officers require compensation through allowances is dependent on the cost of living differential between Dublin and the post abroad. Allowances are reviewed regularly to take account of any changes in this respect.

In 2002, following consultation between my Department, the Department of Finance and the relevant staff associations, a more transparent, accountable and vouched system of Foreign Service Allowances was introduced. The main components of the Foreign Service Allowance system are: - Cost of Living Allowance (COLA), which is designed to estimate and defray costs associated with a higher cost of living at the post abroad. The Department uses the services of an independent firm to provide cost of living indices for the various locations required. COLA only becomes payable at posts with a higher cost of living index than Dublin. - Local Post Allowance (LPA), which assists mainly with the additional indirect costs arising from the representational role of officers. This allowance which varies according to marital status and grade is payable at all locations abroad. Officers serving in designated "hardship" posts may also be currently entitled to a hardship allowance as part of their LPA. Where payable, this hardship element takes account of factors such as personal security and political tension, health, environmental factors, climate and isolation. - Children's Foreign Allowance (CFA), which compensates an officer for the additional costs incurred with regard to qualifying children.

The estimated total cost of Foreign Service Allowances in 2009 is € 8.5 million approximately.