asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Irish consul-general in Kenya has full diplomatic privileges, including the acquisition of duty-free spirits for entertainment purposes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kenya Consul-General.
77.
The consul-general in Kenya is an honorary consul-general and, therefore, in accordance with established international practice does not enjoy diplomatic privileges, including the acquisition of duty-free spirits for entertainment purposes.
Is the Minister aware that other consul-generals enjoy these privileges?
I am aware that although there is no arrangement for this purpose diplomatically honorary consuls have been permitted in some countries to import very small quantities of spirits to celebrate the national day and similar occasions but the practice is not general and it is entirely at the discretion of the state in question and is not part of normal diplomatic privileges.
Does the Minister not consider that where he appoints a person to represent this country in a honorary capacity that person should be allowed these privileges and adequate staff to deal with inquiries that may arise with regard to tourism?
The arrangement for honorary consuls is that they take on the position on an agreed basis. There is a very small nominal remuneration, plus a share of the various fees involved, and they undertake to provide the services making the necessary provision themselves for staff. The Government have no function with regard to staff other than being satisfied that the honorary consul is carrying out his functions satisfactorily.
I am aware that in the United States many people seek these posts for prestige purposes. However, if a person is carrying out this function, does the Minister not agree that the Government should negotiate with the foreign Government to give that person full diplomatic privileges?
No. It is quite clear in international law and practice that honorary consuls-general have no entitlements of this kind. Some Governments give limited facilities on particular occasions to particular honorary consuls, but it is not a thing we would seek generally and we have no right to seek it generally.
It applies in Austria.
That may very well be so.