I propose to take Questions Nos. 129, 130, 131, 132 and 133 together.
I propose to group questions 31347/22, 31348/22, 31349/22, 31350/22 and 31351/22 together for response.
The Government nominates officers for Ambassadorial posts on foot of proposals made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The nominated Ambassadors are subsequently appointed by the President and take up duty abroad following the receipt of agrément from the receiving State. Only serving civil servants are considered for ambassadorial assignments. This process was followed in relation to the nomination of the Ambassador-designate to the United Kingdom.
In considering the nomination of Ambassadors, a range of factors is taken into account including political, economic and trade priorities. In addition, management experience, regional knowledge, country knowledge, policy experience, consular experience, and other factors are considered as part of the assignment process. Foreign language skills, where relevant, are also considered. In considering the nomination of Ireland’s next Ambassador to the United Kingdom, having served in senior civil service roles with vast experience working across Government at the highest levels, including working with international partners and the peace process in Northern Ireland, the nominee was considered particularly suitable. The nomination was approved by Government at its meeting on 27 July 2021.
Assigned Ambassadors, and all other officers taking up diplomatic posts overseas, undertake a significant programme of pre-posting training to complement their existing skills and experience and to prepare them for their assignments in Ireland’s missions overseas. My Department does not conduct ‘diplomatic exams’ in relation to this training.