Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 February 2007
206 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Irish embassies currently open; the extent to which he proposes to increase this number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4563/07]
View answerIreland has a network of 74 resident diplomatic and consular Missions abroad, as well as the British-Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat in Belfast and the North-South Ministerial Council Joint Secretariat in Armagh. While the opening of new Embassies abroad is considered by the Government on an ongoing basis, any expansion of our diplomatic network can only be undertaken having regard to clear priorities.
The White Paper on Irish Aid, published in September 2006, designated Malawi as Ireland's newest programme country. Irish Aid is currently developing a country strategy for Malawi, with a view to beginning the implementation of a full programme of bilateral assistance to that country. With this in mind, I intend in the near future to bring a proposal to Government on the opening of a resident Embassy in Malawi.
In addition, following on from the Taoiseach's recent visit to the United Arab Emirates, consideration is being given to the case for establishing a diplomatic mission there.
