Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 30 May 1996

Vol. 466 No. 3

Written Answers. - Embassy and Consular Staff.

Denis Foley

Ceist:

43 Mr. Foley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether he intends to provide any additional staff or resources for embassies or consulates in view of the likely increase in the number of Irish students seeking work abroad this summer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10679/96]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

I have full confidence in the ability of our embassies and consulates to respond to the consular demands placed upon them. These offices offer a broad range of consular services to protect the rights and interests of Irish people abroad, both residents and visitors.

Our network of 48 resident missions is supplemented by 60 honorary consulates in locations where we do not have resident missions. The work of these consulates is crucially important in maximising the spread and effectiveness of our consular services abroad.

In cases of emergency, Irish citizens can also avail of assistance from the consular services of our EU partners in countries where we are not represented.

In addition to the services outlined above, my Department maintains close and regular contact with emigrant welfare groups at home and abroad to ensure the best possible service to existing and newly-arrived immigrants. The Government also provides significant financial support to a number of emigrant welfare groups.

In these circumstances, I do not consider it necessary to provide additional staff or resources to the consular sections of our missions abroad.