Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 May 1991

Vol. 408 No. 7

Written Answers. - Ambassadorial Posts.

Austin Deasy

Question:

32 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if any individuals other than career diplomats have been appointed to ambassadorial posts since the foundation of the State; if so, the number involved; and if he will consider the appointment of people from various walks of life in the future to such posts.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Collins)

The Deputy will be aware that ambassadors are appointed by the President on the nomination of the Government.

In the early years of the State, Irish diplomatic missions abroad were, of necessity, staffed by individuals whose previous experience had been in other professional areas. However, since the Department of Foreign Affairs developed their own body of diplomatic officers who are permanent civil servants, it has been the practice to fill ambassadorial posts from within the Department. The last non-career appointment as Head of Mission was made in 1949. As the Taoiseach explained in reply to a question on 21 June 1988, the appointment of non-civil servants is not excluded, but there are no plans to make such appointments at the present time.