Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2024
134. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what consideration his Department has given to opening a consulate in Costa Rica; what plans his Department has to expand its consular service in Central America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16020/24]
View answerSince its launch in 2022, the Global Ireland Strategy for Latin America and the Caribbean to 2025 has been delivering increased engagement with the countries of the region across all five of its key objectives, as well as an enhanced provision of consular assistance and services to Irish citizens present in the region.
Ireland's presence in, and relations with, the countries of the Central America region has been greatly enhanced through the establishment of an Office for Central America, which was opened in the Embassy of Ireland in Mexico City in 2022. This Office has already delivered a marked increase in political, economic, values-based and cultural engagement with Costa Rica, including as evidenced by the visit of Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD to Costa Rica for St. Patrick's Day this year.
Any decision on the opening of a new Irish diplomatic Mission is considered with reference to Ireland's national, political and economic priorities. Against these and other factors, the Government keeps the matter of further openings, including in the Latin America region, under active review.
My Department, working closely with relevant Government Departments and State Agencies, will continue to implement the commitments set out the Strategy for Latin America and the Caribbean with a view to further boosting our bilateral relations and strengthening the provision of consular support across the region, including in the countries of Central America.
