Written answers

Wednesday, 9 December 2009

Department of Foreign Affairs

Departmental Staff

10:00 pm

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 176: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in addition to the Defence Forces members in International Security Assistance Force, there are Irish civilians involved in Afghanistan; and if so, the cost of same. [46195/09]

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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At present, two Irish civilians are seconded by the Department of Foreign Affairs to positions in Afghanistan. One of these works as a Rule of Law Outreach Officer with the EU Police Mission to Afghanistan (EUPOL Afghanistan), which is contributing to the establishment of sustainable and effective civilian policing arrangements under Afghan ownership and in accordance with international standards. Her period of secondment runs from 30 August 2009 until 31 March 2010 at an estimated cost of €44,000. Previously, another civilian expert was seconded to the Mission, also as a Rule of Law Outreach officer, for 3 months from 28 February 2009 at a cost of €21,320.

One member of the Irish Aid Rapid Response Initiative has been working in Afghanistan as a Reporting Officer with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) since 10 September 2009 and is currently scheduled to finish up on 9 March 2010. The estimated total cost for this officer's term of work is €52,122.70. I am aware that seven Irish persons are directly contracted by EUPOL Afghanistan. However, they are not seconded by the Department of Foreign Affairs, and no expenditure arises to the State from their activities.

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