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Diplomatic Representation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 November 2013

Thursday, 7 November 2013

Questions (57)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

57. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the Irish diplomatic presence in the Slovak Republic; if he will provide a breakdown of the costs of running the office there in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47539/13]

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Written answers

The Embassy to the Slovak Republic opened in 2001. Our diplomatic presence in Bratislava is important in the context of shared membership of the European Union, in advancing relationships, promoting our interests and fostering goodwill between our two countries. From an economic perspective, and given that the state agencies service the market from regional offices, the Embassy has an important role in the promotion of exports, tourism and inward investment. The Embassy performs a wide range of functions in the context of our foreign policy, including representing and advancing government policies with the Slovakian government. In addition, the Embassy delivers frontline consular and passport services to citizens, and engages with and supports the Irish community. Since 2012, the Embassy has been staffed by only one diplomatic officer, with the rank of Ambassador, with the support of two locally engaged staff. A breakdown of the running costs of the Embassy from 2009 to the present is set out in the table below. The figures include all expenditure items charged to Mission budgets. Salaries and related costs of staff posted from Ireland are not included as they are a charge on the overall budget of the Department.

Bratislava Mission Expenditure

All figures in Euro

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013 to 05/11/2013

Local staff salaries, foreign representation and accommodation

131,975

137,298

138,986

92,438

56,302

Travel and subsistence

4,157

2,714

2,302

1,565

4,495

Incidental expenses

9,944

9,251

8,849

5,781

2,682

Postal and telecommunications

7,585

6,846

7,970

6,286

3,818

Office machinery and other office expenses

770

929

835

1,329

560

Office premises expenses

255,138

200,965

197,813

186,683

148,217

Total

409,568

358,004

356,755

294,081

216,074

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