Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Locally engaged staff at our embassies and consulates general provide valuable support to these missions in promoting Ireland’s interests in the countries where they are accredited. As we operate in almost 80 jurisdictions, it is not feasible nor, in many cases legal, to operate a standard Irish contract. In line with best international practice, our locally engaged staff are employed under local labour laws. Salaries at our missions are based on local norms for the roles undertaken and are closely aligned with the salaries paid by similar partner countries. Contracts of employment for locally engaged staff contain a range of terms and conditions that would be found in similar Irish contracts including remuneration, tenure, description of duties, annual leave, hours of attendance, sick leave and other general provisions found in employment contracts of this nature. Missions engage with local legal advisers to ensure the contracts meet our obligations in each location. The Department also has access to a wide array of information on international employment conditions through our membership of ECA, an independent consultancy.

I can assure the Deputy that the Department takes its legal and moral responsibilities to our locally engaged staff seriously and keeps matters relating to their terms and conditions under ongoing review.