asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will state what reduction in personnel has been made in the Irish consulates in the United States and In Europe in recent Years, and the reasons for such reduction.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Personal of Irish Consulates.
The only reduction in personal made in the Irish consulates in the United States in recent years was at the consulate in Chicago, where the temporary post of trade officer was suppressed in 1953.
At the end of 1953 there was a consequential reduction, from two to one, of the number of stenograqpher-clerks employed at the consulate.
There are no Irish consular offices in Europe other than those filled in an honorary capacity in a few European countries. Diplomatic officers serving in Irish missions in Europe perform consular functions as required. The Department does not provide staff for any of the honorary cousuls.
Would the Minister not agree that a staff in Chicago, the second or third city in the United States, which covers a very wide area, of one counsul, one vice-consul (temporary) and one temporary stenographer is hardly adequate to deal with what we hope will be an expansion of Irish trade with the United States in that area? It seems to be a very small staff for such a huge city and such a huge area.
The has been no significant change over the last four or five years in the number of staff in the various countries. It has bot changed by more than three or four over the last five years. Of course, we should all place but that costs money.
They have not the money to pay for it. It is strange that the Minister for External Affairs would admit that.