Bernard J. Durkan
Question:279 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the Government is contemplating the opening of new embassies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7429/03]
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, Cyprus and Brazil. The opening of additional missions will be kept under ongoing review, including in the context of the availability of resources.