Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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74. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will discuss the re-configuration of the EU Affairs and Co-ordination Division in conjunction with the Department of the Taoiseach, in view of the conclusion of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union; if he will outline the diplomatic postings, that will be made at assistant principal, first secretary, third secretary, administrative officer and higher executive officer levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37154/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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In October 2011, responsibility for the coordination of EU policy formally transferred from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to a newly created EU Affairs and Coordination Division in the Department of the Taoiseach. The new arrangements responded to the evolution of EU institutional structures and practices following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, in particular the increased role of the European Council. They also reflected the need to ensure effective coordination and strategic direction of Ireland’s engagement with the EU across the whole of Government. Almost two years on, I am pleased to state that the arrangement is working very well. Systems are in place to ensure effective coordination and communication between the two Departments and our EU Missions on matters of EU policy. Officials from both Departments maintained close and regular contact in the lead up to, and throughout, the successful EU Presidency in the first half of this year and this contact will be maintained into the future.

On the matter of diplomatic postings, the standard duration of assignments at First and Third Secretary and equivalent levels to posts at Missions abroad is about four years, although they can be for longer or shorter periods depending on location and a number of other considerations. Posts at these levels are normally rotated in the months of July and August, in line with the Department’s Planned Posting Policy. No decisions regarding postings for next year have yet been made.

Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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75. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the different ranks and grades in his Department and Irelands diplomatic corps; the comparisons that can be made in the ranks between different Government Departments and the Cvil Service; the number of persons in each rank-grade within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37155/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the following table.

* Full Time Equivalent – this number takes account of officers on work-sharing arrangements.

Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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76. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update and history on diplomatic relations and engagement between Ireland and Morocco; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37157/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Diplomatic relations between Ireland and the Kingdom of Morocco were established in 1975. The Moroccan Embassy in Dublin was headed for some years by a Chargé d'Affaires, but since 2009 Morocco has been represented here at Ambassador level. The Irish Ambassador to Portugal is accredited to Morocco. Ireland also has two Honorary Consuls in Morocco; in Agadir and Casablanca respectively. Agreements with Morocco are mostly negotiated and agreed at EU level, and co-operation is advanced within the framework of the EU-Morocco Association Agreement. As regards bilateral agreements, the 'Convention between Ireland and Morocco for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income' entered into force on 10 September 2012. There have been several official bilateral visits between Ireland and Morocco. Recent visits include an Oireachtas delegation, led by Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, Senator Paddy Burke, which visited Morocco from 4-8 November 2012. The delegation met the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, Presidents of the House of Representatives and Senate, and the President of the Consultative Royal Council for Sahara Affairs. The Moroccan Minister for Industry, Trade and New Technologies, Mr. Abdelkadir Aamara, visited Ireland to participate in the Africa-Ireland Economic Forum in October 2012.

Earlier, former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern made an official visit to Morocco in January 2001.

Ireland's stance on the issue of Western Sahara is a point of difficulty with Morocco, but both Governments have shown their determination that this should not dictate the tenor of our relations. Ireland's bilateral relations with Morocco are very good. Increasing numbers of Irish people visit Morocco, there are Moroccan citizens working here, trade is growing, and, more generally, Morocco is keen to develop cooperation and relations with the EU. I look forward to the further development of our friendly relations with Morocco.