Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)
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218. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if employee protections are in place for persons working in the foreign missions here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39040/14]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, it is the duty of all persons enjoying diplomatic privileges and immunities to respect the laws and regulations of the host State. Consistent with its obligations under the Vienna Convention, my Department works to ensure that the law is upheld and my Department will assist, as appropriate, in any investigation being undertaken by the relevant Irish authorities. On 12 September, I introduced new guidelines for diplomatic staff who intend to employ private domestic workers. This is a specific category of worker, who is employed by an individual member of a mission rather than by the sending State. While I believe that the majority of diplomatic staff in Ireland already follows good practice, it is best practice internationally to provide clear employment guidelines and a framework for their implementation. These new guidelines were developed following a consultative process involving other Departments and State agencies, including the Departments of Justice and Equality and Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation; the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) and An Garda Síochána. I welcome also the contribution of Migrant Rights Centre Ireland to the process. I believe that the adoption of these guidelines is consistent with Ireland’s ratification in July of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention on Decent Work for Domestic Workers, of 2011.