Paul Donnelly
Question:41. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the post of Irish Honorary Consul in Malaga has been filled; and if not, when he expects this post to be filled. [1145/24]
View answerWednesday, 17 January 2024
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Ireland currently has over 80 Honorary Consuls operating in more than 50 countries across the globe. Our global network of Honorary Consuls offers key support to the Government across a range of priorities, including providing a means of meeting the needs of Irish citizens and the Government in regions where we do not have a resident diplomatic Mission. These appointments are honorary in nature - unsalaried and non-pensionable.
At present, Ireland has a network of nine Honorary Consuls operating in Spain, managed by our Embassy in Madrid. Mr. José de la Torre y Morín, who served as Honorary Consul of Ireland in Málaga, sadly passed away in October 2022. Throughout his over 40 years of service, the Honorary Consul provided key support to the Embassy, particularly in the context of the provision of assistance to Irish citizens visiting or residing in the region.
The consular needs of Irish citizens in the Málaga region continue to be met through the Embassy of Ireland in Madrid and our wider diplomatic network in Spain, including through a new Temporary Consular Office in Marbella which opened to the public in August 2023. The question of how best to provide consular services and assistance to Irish citizens in the Málaga region on a long-term basis is under active consideration. A decision will be made shortly.