Vol. 535 No. 5
96 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he still feels that diplomatic representations abroad are best served by career diplomats; and if he will open it up to include a much broader cross section of individuals particularly people who have outstanding records in business and vocational interests. [12851/01]
Yes, I still feel that diplomatic representations abroad are best served by career diplomats. It is therefore not my intention to consider changing the present system of selecting members of the Irish foreign service.
Irish diplomatic officers are expected to promote the full range of Irish interests overseas with particular focus on our political and economic 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. The knowledge and skills necessary to perform effectively the full range of duties of a diplomatic officer 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.
