Austin Deasy
Question:38 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will initiate a major change of emphasis in the role of our diplomats abroad in order that their functions are considerably more trade orientated.
Vol. 396 No. 9
38 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will initiate a major change of emphasis in the role of our diplomats abroad in order that their functions are considerably more trade orientated.
Our diplomatic missions and our diplomats abroad already give a high priority to work in the field of export promotion as well as in the wider area of foreign earnings, which also includes the attraction of foreign investment and the promotion of tourism. In all these areas they operate in close co-operation and consultation with the home Departments and in particular the Department of Industry and Commerce and with CTT, IDA, Bord Fáilte and the various other semi-state agencies involved.