§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 23 March,Official Report, column 559, how many of those who have completed their secondment to the European Commission or UKREP are still employed by his Department.
§ Mr. MatesAll the officers who have completed their period of secondment to the EC Commission or UKREP are still employed by the Northern Ireland civil service.
One officer, having completed the maximum three years period allowed for detached national experts, was given special leave from the NICS to enable him to continue working for the Commission for a further period of five years. The officer is expected to return to the NICS on completion of his current contract with the Commission.
Another officer was also given special leave to enable him to undertake a period contract with the Northern Ireland centre in Europe, which is located in Brussels.