Darren O'Rourke
Question:137. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if there are plans to open a new Consulate General Office in Cape Town, South Africa. [6156/24]
View answerTuesday, 13 February 2024
Questions (137)
Written answers
Ireland and South Africa have had a warm and enduring friendship over thirty years of diplomatic relations. We have had important shared moments in our histories. South Africa is a major partner for Ireland and Europe in Africa, with a key leadership role in regional peace, security and economic initiatives.
South Africa is a key market for Ireland on the continent and our Embassy in Pretoria engages extensively in trade promotion, in addition to providing consular services to Irish citizens. Embassy staff regularly conduct political, community and cultural outreach in the Cape Town area. This includes regular visits and meetings by Embassy staff, reflecting the importance in economic terms of both the city and its wider region.
The Government is continuing with the planned expansion of Ireland’s mission network, in line with the Global Ireland Strategy. While a range of possible locations remains under review, there are currently no plans to open a new Consulate General Cape Town.