asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs in the light of the Government's recently expresed view, if he sees a role for Irish honorary consuls and honorary consuls general abroad in helping to develop tourism in Ireland.
Written Answers. - Development of Tourism.
34.
As I indicated in my reply of 8 December the activities of honorary consuls and honorary consuls general are mainly concerned with the provision of consular advice and assistance 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.
Where possible our honorary consuls assist in the promotion of foreign earnings including those from tourism. My Department, in co-operation with Bord Fáilte, ensures that they are provided with up to date tourist literature and that any queries on tourism they may refer to Dublin are answered promptly.
I think I should add, since it may not be widely appreciated, that these are solely honorary appointments and that apart from a purely nominal stipend honorary consuls are in receipt of no remuneration from the State. Notwithstanding this they provide a service for our citizens overseas, and many shoulder an onerous task on our behalf.