Paul Murphy
Question:430. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will establish guidelines in relation to the use of diplomatic bags; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11650/22]
View answerTuesday, 1 March 2022
Questions (430)
Written answers
Under the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic and Consular Relations, 1961 the Department of Foreign Affairs operates a diplomatic bag service to transmit post, equipment and supplies to and from Ireland’s network of diplomatic and consular missions. Use of the diplomatic bag is governed by an internal office notice, most recently up-dated in 2018, in which staff are reminded that the service is primarily for official use. The Department does allow for occasional use of the service for the receipt and transmission by posted staff of personal items, including small parcels and letters. Usage of the diplomatic bag is monitored by the staff of the Department’s headquarters Registry, and by Heads of Missions, in order to ensure compliance with the terms of the office notice. A general reminder about appropriate use of the diplomatic bag was issued to all staff on 23 February, 2022.