asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs in regard to the following embassies (a) British (b) United States and (c) Societ Union: (i) the number of officials attached to each (ii) their designated functions and (iii) whether any restrictions apply on their movements in the country; and if he can supply similar information with regard to Irish staff in embassies in London, Washington and Moscow.
Written Answers. - Embassies Staff.
63.
In addition to the Head of Mission (Ambassador) at each Embassy, there are 13 diplomatic officials attached to the British Embassy, 16 to the US Embassy and five to the Soviet Embassy. Their functions are those provided for under the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic and Consular relations.
There are no restrictions on the movements of officials of the British and US Embassies.
There are provisions for restrictions on travel by staff of the Embassy of the USSR. The restrictions provided for are on the basis of reciprocity with those to which the staff of our embassy in Moscow are subject, and refer to advance notification of travel outside the capitals involved.
The Irish Embassy in London is staffed by an Ambassador and 13 other diplomatic officials; the Irish Embassy in Washington by an Ambassador and six other diplomatic officials; and the Irish Embassy in Moscow by an Ambassador and three other diplomatic officials.