Vol. 577 No. 1
3 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the occasions on which diplomatic offices abroad, such as embassies, can be used for private functions by citizens and other nations; and if there is a financial loss or gain to the Exchequer in this regard. [30535/03]
A key role of Ireland's embassies and consulates abroad is the promotion of Irish trade, investment and other interests, including culture. The functions of this role are carried out in close co-operation with other Departments, State agencies and the private sector. This co-operation ensures that the State's network of diplomatic and consular missions adds real value to this task.
Embassies and consular missions perform a range of representational and promotional functions in the economic and cultural spheres. These include hosting business support functions, conferences, seminars, exhibitions, readings, book and music launches and debates. Irish embassies and residences abroad represent a valuable State. Hosting Irish-related events at an embassy location can provide a uniquely Irish ambience for an event while offering support to a State agency, business, cultural or other group.
Local circumstances dictate when and what can be appropriately hosted in State properties. Our network of embassies should generally be available to host events which promote Ireland's interests in the political, economic or cultural spheres. No fee is charged by an embassy when it is hosting events which promote Ireland's commercial and cultural interests. In certain cases, the costs of such events are met from the embassy's representational budget. In other cases, however, the cost of an event may be borne by its organisers. While it is difficult to put a figure on the cost or gain to the Exchequer, it is my belief that any short-term costs are offset by the long-term increase in interest in Ireland.
I thank the Minister for his reply. There seem to be some difficulties in drawing a distinction between a goodwill function and one which has a strong commercial element. My attention was drawn to this area when the Taoiseach's son-in-law was provided with the use of the Irish Embassy in London to launch his latest CD. I do not raise the matter to suggest inappropriate behaviour on the part of the Taoiseach, I simply draw attention to the fact that embassies are funded by Irish taxpayers. It is interesting to note the way in which they are used. It is important that Members of the Oireachtas know about this as we are answerable to the taxpayers in respect of the circumstances in which Irish embassies are used.
Does an ambassador follow a protocol in these cases, or is the decision at his or her discretion? If an event is strongly commercial in nature, must it first be cleared with the Department of Foreign Affairs? As the Minister has pointed out, no fee is charged at any stage. That is interesting. I suppose we do not want to make the accusation that events can be used as political opportunities. However, I sometimes wonder what is the purpose of events such as the wedding reception which the Lord Mayor of Dublin hosted in the Mansion House and how they serve the taxpayer.
The costs in respect of the specific event mentioned by the Deputy were borne by the organisers. No costs were incurred by the State. The use of the embassy for the launch of the CD in question was assessed as providing an excellent opportunity to promote Ireland and Irish music. I am of the opinion that our network of embassies should generally be available to host events which promote Ireland's interests.
There are no set criteria regarding what events can or cannot be hosted at an embassy. The knowledge and experience of officials on the ground and local circumstances dictate what can appropriately be hosted in State properties and when an event may take place. Our network of embassies is a valuable asset to the State and should generally be available to host events which promote Ireland's political, economic, cultural or tourism interests.
No costs were incurred by the State during the recent use of the London embassy to mark the fifth anniversary of the existence of the group in question and the launch of its new CD. All costs were borne by the organisers. Similar events have been hosted in the embassy, including the recent reception for the Irish Youth Foundation and the launch of a music CD of the late Rory Gallagher. As with the Westlife launch, the latter event was fully sponsored by the record company involved. Several receptions for the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and An Bord Bia were fully sponsored by those bodies. Launches of books about Robert Emmet and WB Yeats also took place at the embassy. A lunch was held for the Irish Chamber Orchestra.
That is not in the same league as Rory Gallagher.
Deputy Higgins is from a different generation.
If a fee is charged, how is it computed?
As I have said, there is no fee. No costs are charged for events which are held to benefit the State directly. When an embassy is used by others, the costs are borne by the organisers of the events. There is no cost to the Exchequer.
