One problem - among the many surrounding postings, promotions, leaks and memoirs - exercising the minds of the mandarins in Iveagh House was mentioned by the FG spokesman, Jim O'Keeffe, at the Committee on Foreign Affairs recently, when the Minister Brian Cowen presented his estimates.
It had been brought to his attention, said O'Keeffe, that there was particular concern in DFA that a number of staff were being badly treated. They were those in long-term relationships outside marriage, whose partners suffered because they received no travel allowances, automatic visas or diplomatic immunity. Spouses get full status and paid travel, but unmarried partners, when they travel with their DFA partner, have no real status and have to pay their own way. The problem existed in many companies, O'Keeffe told Quidnunc, but it was particularly acute in DFA because of the travel and foreign postings involved.
In some countries, diplomats were requested at the beginning of each year to name their partner for the coming 12 months. "Others have dealt with this but we have not. It is quite unfair and is limiting the scope and development of the diplomatic corps. With the attractions of the private sector, the retention of staff is a problem. Not only are diplomats not immune to changes in society, like marriage breakdown, but they could be more prone because of all the moving".
Cowen replied that a number of staff issues were being addressed. What has stirred up some DFA people is that Celia Larkin, the Taoiseach's partner, gets full diplomatic courtesy and privilege when she travels. O'Keeffe says he heard this mentioned, but he certainly didn't raise it as he never refers to the personal life of individuals. Another aspect O'Keeffe said nothing about, but one that is also being discussed, is what to do with same-sex couples. But that's another story.