Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 282: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the filling of overseas posts that offers officials involved extensive benefits and allowances seems to be falling outside the remit of the Office of the Commission for Public Service Appointments on the grounds that they are not qualifying appointments; his views on whether these posts should come properly within the scope of the Commission; if he will take necessary steps to enable the Commission to deal with such overseas appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27743/12]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Appointments under the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 are interpreted as "the appointment of a person to a position within the Civil Service " or wider public service. This includes the appointment of a new entrant to the civil or public service or an appointment on promotion.

The filling of overseas posts is generally carried out through a lateral transfer or by a person at the same grade. The foreign service allowance and other allowances attached to these posts are given in recognition of the additional expenses and the disruption associated with working abroad. As these lateral transfers are not considered to involve any higher duties or responsibilities relevant to the particular grade, they are not considered to be appointments within the remit of the Commission for Public Service Appointments.