Peter Barry
Question:58 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when it is proposed to open an Irish embassy in Turkey; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Establishment of Embassy.
Michael Noonan
Question:59 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East) asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of Turkey's unique geostrategic position and growing importance in the region, he will establish a resident embassy in Ankara; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 59 together.
I appreciate the importance of Turkey, a country with which Ireland has had diplomatic relations since 1951. Ireland's Ambassador to Italy is accredited concurrently as non-resident Ambassador to Turkey. Ireland also maintains a Consulate, headed by an Honorary Consul, in Istanbul. The Honorary Consul reports to the Embassy in Rome which also has consular responsibility for Turkey. There is a resident Turkish Embassy in Dublin.
Our network of resident diplomatic missions is small and must remain so for the foreseeable future, given our limited financial and personnel resources. We do of course keep the possibility of its extension under review in the light of our changing national and international interests and the resources available to us. It would not however be possible for me to speak publicly in advance about proposals, if any, which may be under consideration at any particular time since decisions in these matters have been agreed in each case with the foreign Government concerned and could be announced only in consultation with it.