Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 May 1995

Vol. 452 No. 7

Written Answers. - Diplomatic Representation in Israel.

Jim Mitchell

Question:

56 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland has a resident Ambassador in Israel; if not the plans, if any, he has to appoint an Ambassador in the near future; if Ireland has a Consul General in Israel; if not the plans, if any he has to appoint an Honorary Consul General; and the procedures for appointing honorary consuls. [8561/95]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

Ireland does not have a resident Ambassador in Israel; our ambassador in Greece is accredited on a non-residential basis. As of now, there are no plans to appoint a resident Ambassador; however our network of resident Missions is kept under constant review to ensure that it reflects changing priorities.

We have a consulate in Tel Aviv, headed by an Honorary Consul, since 1992.

The first step in appointing an Honorary Consul is a decision that there is need for such an appointment in a particular city or country. This decision is taken by the Minister for Foreign Affairs on the basis of consular and-or foreign earnings criteria. A suitable person to hold the post is then identified and the approval of the Government of the country concerned is sought. When that approval is obtained, a letter of Commission formally making the appointment is signed by the Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and sent to the Foreign Ministry of the host Government. That Ministry in due course issues an exequatur to the appointee, a document which formally recognises his or her appointment as Honorary Consul. On receipt of this document, the individual concerned is in a position to carry out the duties of Honorary Consul.