Vol. 480 No. 6
78 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he intends to carry out a review of the role of ambassadors abroad; if so, if he will ensure that this is done at frequent intervals; and if he will make a statement to Dáil Éireann on such a review outlining where he found the strengths and weaknesses to be. [14610/97]
Since taking office, I have met many of our ambassadors. On 1 September, I addressed a Heads of Mission Conference in Dublin and set out the Government's priorities in foreign policy. This conference was also attended by representatives of the State's promotional agencies who participated in a discussion of how our diplomatic missions and the agencies can co-operate most effectively to promote Ireland's economic interests.
As part of the normal process of managing the Department, the Secretary General, assisted by the management advisory committee, monitors and reviews the work of our missions on a continuing basis to ensure that staff and other resources abroad are utilized as effectively as possible. In addition, the inspection unit in my Department, headed by an assistant secretary, carried out detailed reviews of the work of missions abroad. So far in 1997, the inspection unit has reviewed the work of four missions and a further three inspections are scheduled to take place before the end of the year.
It is clear to me that the principal strength of our diplomatic service is the commitment and dedication of our staff. Embassies are an important resource for the conduct and deepening of our relations with the countries to which they are accredited and this, in turn, supports the pursuit of our international objectives. The access our missions have to their host Governments enables us to develop influential links and contacts with political, economic and media figures to promote Irish interests and concerns. Equally important is their work in providing consular care and assistance to Irish citizens.
The principal weakness of our diplomatic network is its small size. With the exception of Luxembourg, we have the smallest diplomatic service in the European Union. Most of our missions have only one or two diplomatic officers which means they must cover a wide range of activities with very limited staff resources. There are also regional gaps in our overseas representation — for example, we have only one mission in the whole of South America.
I will give consideration to the disposition of our diplomatic network and to ensuring that we use our diplomatic resources overseas to best effect in the coming months.
