Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 February 2012
66 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when he expects to appoint ambassadors to the Irish embassies in Belgium, Estonia and Sweden which are currently without ambassadors; if he is completely reviewing the Swedish Mission in view of the abrupt closure of the Dublin Swedish embassy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10306/12]
View answerThe Government recently made arrangements to appoint Mr. Eamonn Mac Aodha, previously Chief Executive of the Irish Human Rights Commission on secondment from my Department, as Ireland's new Ambassador to Belgium and Mr. James Carroll, formerly Irish Representative to the Palestinian Authority, as our new Ambassador to Sweden. Both Ambassadors have already taken up duty at their new posts. Mr. Peter McIvor has been Ambassador to Estonia since August 2010. The Government believes that there is a net benefit to the State in maintaining a resident Embassy in Stockholm. As well as our common engagement on the European Union agenda, Ireland has substantial economic interests in Sweden, which is a valuable source of inward investment and tourism. Ireland's trade surplus with Sweden is calculated at €340 million (exports of €670 million compared with imports of €330 million) and the Swedish economy, one of the best performing in the EU, continues to present significant opportunities for Irish exporters. There are currently no plans to alter the size or nature of Ireland's representation to Sweden, which is modest by any standards. The Embassy comprises an Ambassador at Counsellor level and a Third Secretary, supported by three local administrative staff.
