Vol. 491 No. 5
50 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reviews, if any, undertaken on the role and function of Irish honorary consuls; the number of honorary consuls; the amount they are paid; and the way in which they are appointed. [12432/98]
Comprehensive reviews of the roles and functions of honorary consuls are carried out periodically. The most recent such review was in 1993. The two main functions of honorary consuls are to provide consular assistance and protection to Irish citizens abroad and to assist in the promotion of Irish economic interests; they also supplement the work of our embassies by helping to process visa applications and to organise official visits to the countries in which they are located. There are 67 honorary consuls in 49 countries.
Honorary consuls receive annual honoraria of £500 and are allowed to retain half of the consular fees they collect, but not more than £100 in respect of any single fee.
When the establishment of consulates headed by honorary consuls is justified, having regard to the numbers of Irish citizens living in or visiting and/or the potential for developing economic relations with the country or area concerned, suitable persons are appointed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, subject to the approval of the authorities of the relevant countries. Such persons are usually professional business people, Irish citizens or citizens of the particular countries, who are well established and have good contacts with people in the political, administrative and business fields. Appointments are made for three years initially.
