Patricia Ryan
Question:145. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps that will be taken in 2022 and 2023 to enhance Ireland’s network of embassies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23620/22]
View answerWednesday, 11 May 2022
Questions (145)
Written answers
The Government’s Global Ireland programme, launched in 2018, envisages an expanded and strengthened diplomatic presence across the world, with a target of opening of 26 new Missions in the period to 2025. Fourteen missions have opened to date, and, over the course of 2022 and 2023, a further five will open in Dakar, Lyon, Miami, Tehran and Toronto.
The opening of new Missions has been complemented by the strengthening of existing, strategically important missions such Brussels, London, Paris, Berlin, New York UN, Tokyo and Beijing). This involves the assignment of additional staff from several Government departments, such as Finance, Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Agriculture.
My Department will continue to explore options for further expanding and strengthening our mission network. This involves is a robust process involving a range of factors, including our national, political and economic priorities, as well as the availability of resources for each potential mission location. Other Government Departments and the State Agencies will be consulted as part of this process, given their important role in Ireland's presence and activities overseas.