Austin Deasy
Ceist:38 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will initiate a major change of emphasis in the role of our diplomats abroad in order that their functions are considerably more trade orientated.
Written Answers. - Role of Foreign Diplomats.
Our diplomatic missions and our diplomats abroad already give a high priority to work in the field of export promotion as well as in the wider area of foreign earnings, which also includes the attraction of foreign investment and the promotion of tourism. In all these areas they operate in close co-operation and consultation with the home Departments and in particular the Department of Industry and Commerce and with CTT, IDA, Bord Fáilte and the various other semi-state agencies involved.
The work which a particular diplomatic mission can do will of course very in accordance with different conditions and circumstances prevailing in the country or countries to which it is accredited; the nature of the other countries' economy, that is whether it is developed, state trading or developing; and the presence or absence of offices of semi-state bodies in the country concerned. However the promotion of our economic interests abroad and especially of foreign earnings including trade, is always given emphasis in the work of our diplomatic missions and of my Department in general.
I have no plan to initiate any major change in emphasis in this matter.