Monica Barnes
Question:53 Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the plans, if any, he has to expand the role of embassies in the field of economic activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18110/97]
Written Answers. - Role of Embassies.
The promotion of Ireland's economic interests abroad is a matter of the highest priority for the Department of Foreign Affairs and its diplomatic and consular missions. I intend to keep the activity of our embassies under review to ensure that it is focused in the most effective manner to advance these interests.
Considering the importance of foreign trade for the future of the Irish economy, a key objective of our diplomatic missions is to contribute to the development of a just and stable international order which will be conducive to the growth of trade and investment. In addition, Ireland, through its Permanent Representation in Geneva, is involved in the work of the World Trade Organisation and its promotion of global trade liberalisation on the basis of agreed rules and safeguards. The European Union provides a crucially important framework for Ireland's future development, including its economic development. Ireland's Permanent Representation to the European Union is particularly active in contributing to the process of European integration and in defending Ireland's economic interests at European Union level.
On the bilateral level, the work of our embassies in contributing to Ireland's larger objective of building friendly relations with other nations provides the essential basis for developing business and investment. Irish Ambassadors report regularly on economic developments in their countries of accreditation, as well as representing Ireland's position to the Government of those countries.
At the operational level, the embassies co-operate closely with the State agencies in promoting specific economic interests. In recent years, efforts have been made to establish a more significant Irish presence in major world centres by bringing Irish diplomatic and other representatives together under one roof to constitute an "Ireland House". This has already been done formally in New York and Tokyo and I remain committed to this approach wherever feasible. Last month, I attended the official opening of the new Ireland House in Madrid. In a number of other capitals, representatives of An Bord Tráchtála are based in the Irish Embassy and work closely with the Ambassador.