Ray Burke
Question:34 Mr. R. Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the restructuring of personnel within his Department; and the appointments, if any, to our embassies. [6843/95]
Vol. 451 No. 5
34 Mr. R. Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the restructuring of personnel within his Department; and the appointments, if any, to our embassies. [6843/95]
Following a review of the resource requirements of the Department of Foreign Affairs, in the context of the greatly expanded work-load of the Department, the new challenges and opportunities facing us in the foreign policy area, and the demands of the Irish Presidency of the European Union in 1996, a stengthening of the Department in a limited number of key areas has been decided.
As announced by the Government on 11 January 1995, the resources allocated to the priority area of Anglo-Irish relations have been strengthened by the creation of a new post of Second Secretary to head up the Anglo-Irish Division in the Department. A new section is also being created within the Division to ensure an effective economic follow-up to the peace process.
Other key needs arise within the Economic Division of the Department where an additional section will be established to address the consequences for Ireland of the longer term development and enlargement of the European Union; and within the Political Division where a new section will be established to address the important and sensitive issues arising in the area of security and disarmament policy.