Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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146. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware that his Department recently advertised for two internships at the Embassy of Ireland, Paris, for which the advertised rate of pay was €4.35 per hour, that this rate of pay is far below the minimum wage in either France or Ireland, that this rate of pay would not even come close to covering accommodation costs, and that such a rate of pay effectively disqualifies those who cannot subsidise an internship from taking up the position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36960/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Embassy of Ireland in Paris offers two 'stagiaires' or intern 6-month placements bi-annually. These internships form an integral part of the French educational system and conform fully to French legislative requirements for work experience.

In order to be eligible, a candidate must be completing, or have recently completed, third-level studies and must be able to obtain an internship agreement from their third-level institution. As such, these internships form part of a student’s educational programme and, with this status, interns can continue to access the supports available to students in France. These supports include subsidised accommodation.

French legislation fixes the rate of the stipend offered by the Embassy at €4.35 per hour for 2025, based on a 35 hour week. This is set down in French Social Security legislation. In addition, the Embassy contributes towards interns’ costs through a 50% contribution to monthly travel costs, and in providing a monthly meals allowance.

The internships are designed to provide practical experience and development opportunities to individuals in the context of their third-level programmes, and the Embassy endeavours to ensure interns gain valuable insight in, and experience of, the work and activities of a diplomatic mission in a way that benefits them in their future career.

These internships are not permanent positions at the Embassy, and interns do not fulfil the roles or responsibilities of full time employees. A distinct internship agreement is in place as opposed to an employment contract.

Information regarding these internships is shared bi-annually on the Embassy’s website and social media as well as by relevant organisations including European Movement Ireland, Valise Diplomatique, and third-level institutions.