Vol. 529 No. 1
241 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in relation to the opening of an Irish Embassy in Brazil, if other European Union member states have established embassies there; the extent to which Ireland intends to accelerate the programme for opening embassies in states with which Ireland has increased trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2163/01]
276 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals he has to establish embassies throughout the world, with specific reference to countries with which Ireland has trade relations; if a strategy has been drawn up to prioritise such proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2578/01]
277 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland has an embassy in each EU member state and each state currently an applicant for EU membership; the plans he has to establish further embassies in Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2579/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 241, 276 and 277 together.
There is a strong interest in developing and building on the good relations between Ireland and Brazil. While there are no immediate plans to open a resident embassy in Brazil the matter is being kept under active and regular review, having regard to the availability of the necessary resources. Most of our EU partners have a diplomatic presence in Brazil.
Ireland has in recent years accelerated its programme for the opening of embassies in states with which it has or aims to have increased trade, economic and political relations. Since 1998, for example, new diplomatic missions at embassy and consulate general level have been opened in Asia, Australia, Europe and Latin America, as follows: embassies in Ankara, 1998; Mexico, 1999; Singapore, 2000; Oslo, 2000 and consulates general in Cardiff, 1998; Edinburgh, 1998; Shanghai, 2000; Sydney, 2000. It is hoped to continue this programme of opening embassies in states with which Ireland has growing trade relations over the coming years as resources permit.
Ireland maintains an embassy in each one of the EU member states. Of the EU applicant states, Ireland already has embassies in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Turkey. It is proposed to continue a phased expansion of diplomatic representation in the remaining applicant countries over a number of years on a priority basis and having regard to the likely timing of EU membership.
