A key role of Ireland's embassies and consulates abroad is the promotion of Irish trade, investment and other interests, including culture. The functions of this role are carried out in close co-operation with other Departments, State agencies and the private sector. This co-operation ensures that the State's network of diplomatic and consular missions adds real value to this task.
Embassies and consular missions perform a range of representational and promotional functions in the economic and cultural spheres. These include hosting business support functions, conferences, seminars, exhibitions, readings, book and music launches and debates. Irish embassies and residences abroad represent a valuable State. Hosting Irish-related events at an embassy location can provide a uniquely Irish ambience for an event while offering support to a State agency, business, cultural or other group.
Local circumstances dictate when and what can be appropriately hosted in State properties. Our network of embassies should generally be available to host events which promote Ireland's interests in the political, economic or cultural spheres. No fee is charged by an embassy when it is hosting events which promote Ireland's commercial and cultural interests. In certain cases, the costs of such events are met from the embassy's representational budget. In other cases, however, the cost of an event may be borne by its organisers. While it is difficult to put a figure on the cost or gain to the Exchequer, it is my belief that any short-term costs are offset by the long-term increase in interest in Ireland.