Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 16 Apr 1996

Vol. 463 No. 8

Written Answers. - Promotional Activities Abroad.

Mary Harney

Ceist:

30 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade if he will report on the feasibility study of the possibilities of further consolidation of our representation in Madrid, Spain; the plans, if any, there are to establish an Ireland House in Madrid; the plans, if any, there are to establish an Ireland House in other major cities throughout the world; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7481/96]

Minister for Tourism and Trade (Mr. E. Kenny)

The foreign earnings committee, which I chair, and which includes representatives from the promotional State agencies and relevant Government Departments, is responsible for ensuring the effective co-ordination of our promotional activities in the main markets. This includes the question of reviewing opportunities for the consolidation of office accommodation for the State's diplomatic, consular and economic representation so as to ensure that the most effective use is made of available resources.

With regard to Madrid, the foreign earnings committee has agreed that the Department of Foreign Affairs should undertake a feasibility study of the possibilities for further consolidation of our representation in Madrid where, at present, some of the agencies have offices within the embassy building while others maintain separate offices at other locations. The feasibility study is currently being conducted by the embassy, in conjunction with the local agency representatives, with a view to reporting back to the foreign earnings committee later this year on the various possible options. The Government is committed to achieving the greatest possible consolidation of overseas representation in "Ireland Houses" wherever possible. Since 1993 agency representation has been consolidated on this basis in New York, Tokyo, Prague, Budapest and Kuala Lumpur. The foreign earnings committee will continue to review possibilities for the expansion of the "Ireland House" concept to other locations where it can be justified in terms of cost-effectiveness and the enhancement of the representation of Ireland's interests.