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Diplomatic Representation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 March 2022

Tuesday, 1 March 2022

Questions (411)

Paul Donnelly

Question:

411. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on recent activities of the Irish Consulate in Vancouver including staffing numbers. [11244/22]

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Written answers

Ireland has a strong and flourishing bilateral relationship with Canada. Our two countries share deep historic ties. Canada is home to millions of people who claim Irish heritage, and has both historic and new Irish communities.

The Consulate General of Ireland in Vancouver was opened in 2018 in order to facilitate a further deepening of the political and economic relationships with Canada; to allow more effective servicing of the consular and other needs of a growing community of Irish citizens resident in western Canada; and to enhance diaspora engagement on the Pacific coast of the country.

Last year was the Consulate’s first full year of operation in its new premises in downtown Vancouver, during which the Consulate team worked to promote our close bilateral relations with Canada, and to support our citizens in British Columbia. Over the course of the year, more than 1,700 consular related queries, including 899 emails and 805 phone calls, were answered by the Consulate.

In 2021 alone, the Consulate engaged in over 100 business meetings and events, both virtually and in-person. Flagship engagements included the virtual Brigid Festival Vancouver and CelticFest Vancouver, as well as the Consulate’s own virtual St. Patrick’s Day reception. They also participated in the Hearts Beat Downtown Eastside Festival as part of continuing collaboration with the Indigenous community.

This year the Consulate continues its valuable work to promote Ireland’s interests and values in the region as set out in Ireland’s Strategy for the US & Canada 2019–2025. Ongoing activities include running a well-attended Business Breakfast on a near monthly basis; hosting a recurring parents and toddlers morning event; providing a workspace facility for Irish entrepreneurs; and creating an Irish book library. The Consulate is also working with the Irish community to explore the feasibility of establishing a Celtic Cultural Centre in Vancouver.

The team are currently preparing a full programme for the visit of the Minister of Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath, T.D., for St. Patrick’s Day later this month.  

The Consulate is staffed by two posted diplomats, and two locally engaged officers.

Question No. 412 answered with Question No. 395.
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