Jack Wall
Question:29 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department proposes to open an embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan. [30475/03]
Written Answers. - Diplomatic Representation.
Ireland currently has diplomatic relations with Pakistan on a non-residential basis. The Irish ambassador to Iran is also accredited to Pakistan. Ireland also has an honorary consul in Karachi.
The opening of Irish missions abroad is considered by the Government on an ongoing basis. As the Deputy will appreciate constraints on Government expenditure and the limits on the resources that could be made available for opening new missions require that any expansion of our diplomatic network must be incremental and be based on a thorough assessment of the costs and benefits involved.
At present there are no plans to open an embassy in Pakistan.