asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he would consider it appropriate to review the role of Honorary Irish Consuls abroad; and if the suitability of persons appointed to such positions is regularly monitored.
Written Answers. - Honorary Irish Consuls.
29.
It is the function of our Honorary Consuls to protect the interests of Ireland and Irish citizens within their areas of appointment, principally through the provision of consular services and through assisting in the promotion of trade. Their activities are mainly concerned with the provision of consular advice and assistance and passport services to Irish citizens resident in or visiting their consular areas and with the provision of visas to intending visitors to Ireland, when such visas are required.
All candidates for such appointments are thoroughly assessed before their appointment and their ongoing performance is carefully monitored. Indeed, the performance of the honorary consular service has been subjected recently to indepth review with a view to improving its co-ordination vis-à-vis the Department in particular and the embassies in general.
I would, however, remind the Deputy that it is not widely appreciated that these are solely honorary appointments and that apart from a purely nominal stipend, refund of expenses and retention of 50 per cent of their fees, these consular officers are in receipt of no remuneration from the State and have no representational functions. Despite this, many of them have to shoulder an onerous task, depending on where they are living and I am very satisfied with their overall performance.