Brendan Smith
Question:530. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when he plans to open an embassy in Georgia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38913/17]
View answerMonday, 11 September 2017
Questions (530, 531, 532)
Brendan Smith
Question:531. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when he plans to open an embassy in Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38914/17]
View answerBrendan Smith
Question:532. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to extend the diplomatic network; the new consulates or embassies that will open in 2017 and 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38915/17]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 530 to 532, inclusive, together.
The scale and configuration of the State’s diplomatic network in promoting Ireland’s interests and values in a fast-changing world is under continual review by my Department and by the Government. The ambition set by the Taoiseach to double our global footprint by 2025 reflects the scale and complexity of challenges that we face as a country in the years ahead including from Brexit and from growing protectionism internationally. I fully share his view that a strengthened international presence is vital in responding to these challenges and also in seizing new opportunities. These includes the further diversification of markets for trade and investment and building alliances to underpin the rules-based system that has served small globalised countries like Ireland so well. We must also re-double our efforts to promote justice, equality and peaceful international cooperation – values dear to our heart as a nation and which are more relevant than ever.
As specific decisions are taken to augment our network, we also have to ensure that the vital services infrastructure and policy support at headquarters are up to the task. With our existing network of 80 missions, many of which are staffed by officials from across the civil and public service in addition to our own staff, and co-located with agencies such as IDA, Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia and others, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is uniquely placed to provide effective leadership for this ambitious initiative.
At present, Ireland’s bilateral relationship with Georgia is fostered on a concurrent basis through our Embassy in Sofia and our bilateral relationship with Iran is fostered, again on a concurrent basis, through our Embassy in Ankara. Ireland is also represented in Iran by an Honorary Consul. The question of opening resident diplomatic missions in Georgia and Iran will be considered in the context of the plan to augment our network to 2025.