Pearse Doherty
Question:22. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps being taken to ensure the financial probity of those appointed as consuls or honorary consuls abroad. [23980/14]
View answerThursday, 5 June 2014
Questions (22)
Written answers
The Government, on foot of proposals made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, nominates officers to Heads of Mission posts, including to positions as Consuls General. The nominated Consuls General are career civil servants and are subject to the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour and the Ethics in Public Office Acts.
Every Honorary Consul must agree to be supervised by the Head of Mission accredited to the host country and must be willing to facilitate inspection visits by the Mission. They can only claim for agreed expenditure on a vouched basis. They must submit accounts every six months and an annual report on the activities of the Consulate. If and where queries arise these are pursued by the Department and addressed as appropriate.
Ireland has been well served by our network of Honorary Consuls who provide their services on an unsalaried basis. They are also expected to provide an office and staffing at their own expense. Our Honorary Consuls, particularly in countries where Ireland has no resident Mission, provide for the welfare of Irish citizens either resident or visiting that country (sometimes in very difficult circumstances). They also endeavour to develop greater trade and economic relations with that area.