Austin Deasy
Question:13 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will consider appointing ambassadors abroad drawn from the private sector and, in particular, from the business community. [4412/98]
Written Answers - Appointment of Ambassadors.
It is not my intention to consider changing the present system for appointing Irish ambassadors. Ambassadors are expected to promote the full range of Irish interests overseas with particular focus on our political and ecomomic interests. It is, therefore, desirable that they have a wide range of diplomatic experience, a detailed knowledge of all relevant policy areas and an ability to work effectively in a foreign environment.
I recognise that many Irish people in the private sector, including those in the business community, make a significant contribution to promoting Ireland's interests overseas in their own particular sphere of activity. There is already close co-operation between such business people and embassies to which I attach considerable importance. However, I believe that the knowledge and skills necessary to perform effectively the full range of duties as ambassador are best acquired through a career in the foreign service. For this reason, I do not propose to change the practice of successive Irish Governments of selecting for appointment as ambassadors from among our professional diplomats.
The promotion of Ireland's economic interests abroad is a primary objective of our overseas missions. In this context, I attach the highest importance to effective and focused co-operation between our ambassadors and the agencies with responsibility for promoting our economic interests. One way in which this co-operation has been achieved in several locations is through the Ireland House concept. In addition, representatives of An Bord Tráchtála (ABT) are attached to the staff of a number of diplomatic missions.