Michael Ferris
Ceist:37 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether he has any plans to establish diplomatic relations with, and a permanent mission in, the Republic of Zimbabwe; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Republic of Zimbabwe.
Since 1984 Ireland has maintained diplomatic relations with Zimbabwe on a non-resident basis. Up until the closure of the Irish Embassy in Nairobi, our Ambassador to Kenya was concurrently accredited to Zimbabwe. Arrangements are now in hands to concurrently accredit our Ambassador in Lagos to Zimbabwe.
Our network of resident missions is small and must remain so for the foreseeable future because of our limited financial and personnel resources. Possibilities for its extension are examined from time to time in the light of our national and international interests and the availability of the necessary resources. Announcements are made at the appropriate time following such review exercises. It would be wrong and contrary to international practice, however, to speculate publicly on their outcome.