Paul McGrath
Question:104 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government plans to establish new embassies in 2003 or 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14856/03]
Written Answers. - Diplomatic Representation.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:163 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he proposes to open more embassies abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15135/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 163 together.
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 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 is being kept under ongoing review.