Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Jun 1998

Vol. 491 No. 6

Written Answers. - Honorary Consuls.

Billy Timmins

Question:

91 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of consuls there are; the countries in which they are based; the remuneration, if any, they receive; the system in place to monitor their work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12900/98]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Andrews)

I presume the Deputy is referring to Honorary Consuls.

There are 67 Honorary Consuls in 49 countries, as follows:

Europe (31)

Belgium, Cyprus, Finland (2), France (3), Germany (3), Great Britain, Greece (3), Iceland, Italy, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Spain (7), Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey.

North America (8)

Canada (3), Mexico, United States (4).

South America (6)

Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela.

Africa (8)

Botswana, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Uganda.

Asia (8)

People's Republic of China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea (Rep. of), Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore.

Middle East (4)

Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman.

Australasia (2)

Australia, New Zealand.

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. The activities of Honorary Consuls are closely monitored by the Department of Foreign Affairs and by the embassies accredited to the countries concerned.

Honorary Consuls provide consular assistance and protection to Irish citizens abroad, assist in the promotion of Irish economic interests and 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. The services provided by our Honorary Consuls worldwide are greatly appreciated and I pay tribute to their dedication and commitment.