Jim O'Keeffe
Question:78 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his proposals to open new embassies or consulates; and the details of same. [21500/02]
Written Answers. - Diplomatic Representation.
The spread of resident Irish missions abroad is reviewed by the Government on an ongoing basis, with decisions to open new missions being based on a thorough assessment of the costs and benefits involved.
In 2001, the Government decided to open new embassies in a number of EU candidate countries on a phased basis prior to the commencement of Ireland's Presidency of the EU in 2004 and subject to the availability of the necessary resources. New embassies have since been established in Estonia, Slovenia, Slovakia and Cyprus, and also in Brazil. The opening of additional missions will be kept under ongoing review, including in the context of the availability of resources.
Question No. 79 answered with Question No. 74.