Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2014, I hereby request access to the following records currently held by the Department of Foreign Affairs: • The current comprehensive table of allowances payable to Third Secretaries of the Irish Diplomatic Service when posted abroad, including but not limited to: a) Overseas Allowance (OA) or equivalent b) Living Quarters Allowance (LQA) c) Education Allowance d) Cost of Living Allowance e) Local Post Allowance f) Children's Foreign Allowance g) Representation Allowance h) Language Proficiency Allowances i) Health Insurance entitlements j) Hardship/Danger allowances for specific postings k) Any other allowances or benefits available to Third Secretaries serving abroad • Any policy documents describing the eligibility criteria and conditions attached to these allowances. • Information on whether allowances are taxable or non-taxable. • Any recent changes to the allowance structure since January 2023.